And while I'm spamming you ...

[tripperfunster]

*sigh*

I have a very depressing assignment ...

A woman I know had her 7 year old son pass away just before christmas. I wouldn't call her a good friend, but she is someone that I see every two weeks or so, and we get on quite well, and I've always really liked her.

Hearing the terrible news was quite devastating to me. (not nearly as much as it was to her, obviously.) I have a son practically the same age, and one a year younger, and man, talk about EMPATHY. The thought of having to get up everyday and continue my life without one of my boys is heartwrenching.

I did the usual, sent her a card, gave her lots of hugs, and we cried on each other's shoulders a few times. Her pain was so great, I really wished I could do something to help her, but short of bringing her son back, there really wasn't much to be done.

Last week she asked me if I knew anyone who would do a portrait of her child. She knows I'm an 'artist' (although not the full extent, wink wink), so she thought that I might know someone who would do a portrait. (I'm sure she was really asking me to do it, but didn't want to impose.)

Of course, I offered. I was thrilled to have the oppourtunity to do something that might ease her pain even just a little, but it's going to be very hard. She gave me a photo of him today (and is going to get me another one next week) and man, I can't even look at the little guy without tearing up. How the hell am I going to stare at his picture for HOURS while I draw it? And what if I can't do a good enough job? *flails*

I'm not posting this so you can all tell me I'll do fine, I'm good enough, bla bla bla. I guess I'm just venting. I'm normally a very happy, easy going person, but this (the death, not the picture) has really affected me more than I would have thought it could.

Anyway, all of you with kids (big or little) out there, give them big hugs today.

And here's a couple of pics of MY kids. Poor Harry, he really hates to get his picture taken, and it shows.



And Quincey is doing his best Farrah Faucett (and rockin' it, I might add)



Oh, and just so you don't think I"m a total sap, I TOTES believe in child abuse. Here's my photographic evidence. (Harry, aged two. And no, it's not permanent marker.) He was pretty happy until I showed him what he looked like in the mirror. *evil laugh*

Comments

[euclase.livejournal.com]

My gut reaction is no, lol. But... the more I think about it, the more I think it could be REALLY pretty to go in that direction. So maybe you could compromise? A little bit of a glow, a little bit of spirituality. I'm not sure if putting cherub wings on the kid wouldn't make you cringe six months down the road. Think of your own kids, I guess. What would you want? I'd trust that instinct more than anything, and if you draw from the heart, your heart will show in the drawing.

I know this will be totally beautiful no matter what you do, but yeah. :)

[tripperfunster.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your imput! i like the 'mild glow' thing. I'll probably do a couple of different things, and decide which one is best. I'm thinking chalk pastels, for a really soft effect. Kids are DAMN HARD TO DRAW and not make them look hard/older.

Wish me luck!