Lost A treasure today...

[Running Mommy]

I have posted in the past links to my Great Aunt Helene's website with her artwork, and posts about what she means to me.
Well this morning at 2:00 am, she passed away.
I'm having a really rough time with this loss, and I could the collective community of TE's shoulders right now.
I feel so blessed to have had such a talented, generous, and loving person to call "Aunt".
She was my Grandpa's sister, and us Grandkids always looked up to her. To us she was a famous artist.
She introduced me to ballet.
We grew up on a ranch, but she encouraged me to step out into the world and explore all that there is to explore. Most especially the arts.
She was so proud of the fact that running son was interested in art. He LOVED to draw when he was young, and she encouraged me to let him explore the world of art.
Helene marveled at the colors in the environment, and loved to paint the desert. She came out here a few years ago and painted the wild flowers that grow in the desert in the spring after a rainy winter. I remember meeting her for lunch, and will always treasure that memory.
Her resolve and spirit was an inspiration to all who met her. When parkinsons took the use of her right hand, she started painting with her left. When cancer took her left hand, she started using her mouth.
She painted daily, and she always believed that her painting was what gave her life. So she found a way to keep at it, because she loved being alive. She loved life.
I will miss her more than you know. But I'll always have the many paintings that she gave me on my walls.

Please take a moment (well 10 ) and watch the bio video that was done on her recently. I think it explains why I am having a hard time with this. She was a treasure.
Thanks for your shoulders. I feel you lifting me up, and I appreciate it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc3RemJPkEU

www.heleneminelliart.com

[Blueberry]

(((((((RunningMommy & Family))))))))

Treasure your memories - they will become less painful with time. She sounds like she was a remarkable woman.

[spindizzy]

Embracing the people you love in life and paying them tribute with your words- what a beautiful relationship you had..she knew you loved her. My condolences (((RM))).

[OakLeaf]

((((((((Denise))))))))

[shootingstar]

IShe was so proud of the fact that running son was interested in art. He LOVED to draw when he was young, and she encouraged me to let him explore the world of art.
Helene marveled at the colors in the environment, and loved to paint the desert. She came out here a few years ago and painted the wild flowers that grow in the desert in the spring after a rainy winter. I remember meeting her for lunch, and will always treasure that memory.
Her resolve and spirit was an inspiration to all who met her. When parkinsons took the use of her right hand, she started painting with her left. When cancer took her left hand, she started using her mouth.
She painted daily, and she always believed that her painting was what gave her life. So she found a way to keep at it, because she loved being alive. She loved life.
I will miss her more than you know. But I'll always have the many paintings that she gave me on my walls.

I'm sorry for your loss. Such an inspiring life. Her resolve to keep on painting. Has running son done anything with his art skills (or is he too young right now?).

[TsPoet]

What a lovely video. Loved her talking about color.
{{{{{{[hugs}}}}}}}}

Oh, I also think her paintings are absolutely beautiful, relaxing and powerful at the same time.

[Librarygirl]

Runningmommy,

I'm so sorry for your loss. You were so blessed to have someone like that in your life, she sounds like such an inspiration. Her paintings are beautiful and show such passion and perceptiveness of the environment she lived in.

My prayers go out to you and your family.

Linda.

[bambu101]

My deepest sympathies on your loss. She sounded like a remarkable, creative soul.

[bmccasland]

(((((RM & family)))))

[Bike Chick]

((((Running Mommy)))) I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the video. It was such a nice tribute for a very special woman. You have been blessed by having her in your life.

[azfiddle]

Running Mommy, you are so lucky to have had such a special person in your life. Cherish all your memories- and maybe you can find a way to keep her alive for your children, and for others. Plant a tree, help start a scholarship fund... I'm sure there are many more ideas.

Hugs to you
Sharon

[Trek420]

(((((Runningmommy family))))) Amazing art from an amazing woman. I can't get over how evocative it is of the Sonoma County I love. Brings me right home.

[Red Rock]

Hugs to you and your family. The video was great. I am sure that it will be something to cherish as she talks about how she grew up and went to school. Those are things that seem to "get lost" once someone passes away. At least you have tape of her speaking. That is worth more than $$ for sure.

Her artwork is wonderful. May you all continue to enjoy the pieces that you all have.

Red Rock

[spokewench]

((((( Running Mommy ))))) - She sounds like a outstanding person. I feel your loss.

spoke

[GLC1968]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Take heart and keep close memories of what she meant to you (and to others).