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good therapy

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MWwinkcards 

I am just about finished writing my thank-yous for the pink socks.  Nearly 300 cards are going out.  Back in July this project offered me many gifts.  For one, it was therapy - a distraction that kept me busy every day.  I look back at the photos on my blog from that time and they are filled with vibrant color and sunlight. You can imagine it was a joy to be surrounded by the outpouring of love.  It was a time when I didn't even want to get out of bed, but running to the post office became a daily ritual, and not only got me moving, but filled my heart.  You divided my grief by taking some of it on, by sharing it with me.  The support you offered by participating in the Pink Wink really carried me through a tough time.   The act of sending me socks will never be forgotten because I *get it* that it was more than just meeting a goal. 

On Saturday it will be six months since Shannon left us.  I feel her absence.  The holidays were hard.  Turning over the calendar page to 2009 was hard.  I didn't plan the timing of it but taking on the assignment of writing thank yous right now was perfect.  It has been good therapy to revisit your names, to write you messages, to re-live the tremendous goodness that came from your winks, at this time when the sadness weighs on me.  Again, you help me rise. 

Comments

26 responses to “good therapy”

  1. Judy N Avatar
    Judy N

    You get back what you give! You are always so sharing and giving. It is nice to know that when you needed the extra boost the people you give so much to are able to give something back.
    I, for one, am glad that I was a small part of it! I don’t think I can ever give back all that you have given me through your tutorials and artwork.
    Until later,
    Judy

    Reply
  2. Monica Magness Avatar
    Monica Magness

    Michelle,
    I feel extremely blessed to ‘know’ you through your blog.. I’d prob. neva get the chance to tell you this in person (unless you happen to fall off the planet and land in Alabama, lol)..
    but, KNOWING the goodness you SHARE with OTHERS has been an amazing journey for me as well! You teach so much more than just art…
    THANK YOU!
    Shannon hasn’t left your side, she’s with you every moment!

    Reply
  3. kim mailhot Avatar
    kim mailhot

    You are so amazing, Michelle ! I love your spirit and how you just get what is important in life. You are going a beautiful job of mourning Shannon. That may sound weird but you are an example to so many who have lost someone they love and want to do “it” right. You let it in, you feel it, you express it, and you send back out the love so we can share it and feel it too…I think it is a beautiful tribute to your sister, to sisterly love and to how we can really live through loss of someone we love.
    Big Squishy Loving Hugs,

    Reply
  4. Kathy McElroy Avatar
    Kathy McElroy

    Revisiting “Pink Wink” brought tears to my eyes. The world loves you for the amazing woman you are. Bless you.

    Reply
  5. Linda Warlyn Avatar
    Linda Warlyn

    I can’t duplicate the eloquence of the previous comments, but I can tell you that every word they wrote is written in my heart as well. Please take good care. xoxo

    Reply
  6. grrl+dog Avatar
    grrl+dog

    I am happy you get to re connect through this project and also find closure, or another tiny closure in a sea of them that wash in an doubt of your life as you ease your loss.
    The indigenous folk here live in dreamtime, where there is no past or future, so their loved ones are always there.

    Reply
  7. carlene Avatar
    carlene

    Bless your heart, you are a trouper!

    Reply
  8. Rhonda Scott Avatar
    Rhonda Scott

    I just had to comment on your posts and pictures about the store windows in New York. They are so fantastic. I have wanted to go to N.Y to Christmas shop for years. You have brought the wonder to my living room. I have added the book by Linda Fargo to my Amazon wish list.
    I always enjoy your art.
    Rhonda Scott

    Reply
  9. Marble Blue Avatar
    Marble Blue

    Dear Michelle,
    I got tears when I read your post. I understand how holidays and special moments while wonderful and special, also remind us of those we miss.
    “When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know”. I am sure you have an angel by your side and occassionally she lets you know she is there with a special “wink” just for you.
    Hugs & Kisses to you.
    Love – MB

    Reply
  10. Debra ABel Avatar
    Debra ABel

    Thank you for sharing both the good, and not-so-good in your life. Holidays are hard at times, they remind us of good times and also of our losses. I admire the way you have honored your sister’s memory with your “pink wink” project. You are such a kind and thoughful person.

    Reply
  11. Lisa Hoffman Avatar
    Lisa Hoffman

    If anyone has concerns about the internet creating isolation in peoples lives, I just roll my eyes and refer them to YOUR story. That, and the fact that I’ve made many highly valuable friendships with flesh and blood pals THROUGH this medium. I hope that you continue to feel the love from a HUGE national/international readership.
    We are here for you.

    Reply
  12. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    Thank you, Michelle.

    Reply
  13. Janine Avatar
    Janine

    Michelle, have been thinking about you over the holidays and how hard it must have been for you. Shannon may not be with you in person but is no doubt with you in spirit. You have touched so many lives in so many ways and as Lisa said, we are always here for you.

    Reply
  14. inge Avatar
    inge

    time flies by so fast.. already 6 months…
    Me too, I often think back of the day you mailed me the sad news, how I felt about it and how the whole Pink Wink started and evolved.
    I still wear my badge “YOU make the difference” and now and then something pink or a deer reminds me immediately of you and Shannon.
    It’s amazing from you, you are writing all those thank you’s…
    I think a lot of people were and still are happy they could help YOU.
    I’m rereading ” true colors” and the artists in there honor also your willingness to share. Me and others did experience that more than once.
    strenght in difficult moments and enjoy the happy moments
    hugs
    Inge

    Reply
  15. Judy Wilkenfeld Avatar
    Judy Wilkenfeld

    Your strength and fortitude is astounding {hugs}

    Reply
  16. hedwig Avatar
    hedwig

    Dear Michelle,
    to share in good and in bad times is sooo important. On wednesday i went to the funeral of my daughter’s teacher from last year and the year before last year. A very strong person, you liked her (or you did not). My family: we loved her. Beccause she made feel every kid special. She came during the weekend when my daughter performed dance in the theater, and brought her a rose. “For the artist”, she said. (I as the mother thought: why didn’t i think of that??) We knew she was having some difficulties with her health, but not that she was that ill. We did not send her cards, flowers or whatever to let her know that we cared. I feel so sorry that we could not support her. So please, to everyone who reads this, share your good AND bad times. So that we can share and help each other, how small our support or help can be…. Thanks Michelle, for letting us being part of your grief (it is a strange thing to say) and for giving me this opportunity to write this to the world,
    XO
    Hedwig

    Reply
  17. Marylinn Kelly Avatar
    Marylinn Kelly

    Michelle, I do agree with the fellow reader who speaks of the dreamtime where past and present meet and mingle, for as you have found, who and what remain in our hearts are with us always. And to find comfort in sending 300 plus thank you cards takes a woman of rich imagination and a great generosity of spirit. You do inspire us all. Pink cotton candy smooches.

    Reply
  18. Heather Bradley Avatar
    Heather Bradley

    much love your way…muchos besos y abrazos

    Reply
  19. Kathryn Antyr Avatar
    Kathryn Antyr

    You my dear are a very brave woman. You embrace a painful situation and make it beautiful and share so openly and honestly. I admire that you don’t slink back and you don’t whine. I admire *YOU* and I am inspired by *YOU*
    {soul hugs}
    k

    Reply
  20. Regina Avatar
    Regina

    Hi Michelle,
    Please do never forget you’re not alone, it is so good of you to share your loss and grieve with other people (have to learn it myself). I still remember coming back from a holiday in the Netherlands last summer and reading about the passing away of your dear sister Shannon: goose-bumps (is this what you call it?) and a feeling of how can this be??
    You teach us a lot, if we ourselves need it, thank you so much and wishing you the strength you may need,
    Regina, SXM, DWI

    Reply
  21. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    Post holiday is often the hardest time for those of us who struggle through the holidays because of loss and grief. All of the wrappings and bows and gifts and distraction are gone and we are left with our grief- but by reaching out and sharing we can feel the presence of those that have gone before us and be lifted up by those who love us and listen and hear!! So many of us share so much and by telling each other, we find kindren souls and know for sure that we are not in this alone!! We are certainly not meant to be!!
    you have created a place for us all to share and Shannon has fufilled such an awesome purpose that so many of us can only aspire to!!! She can never leave you.
    We are all so blessed by you and your talents and gifts and your need to find a way to struggle through your personal darkness. You show the way for so many!!!!
    Love and Hugs and Huge thanks for all that you do!!
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  22. cindi Avatar
    cindi

    michelle ~ you are such an inspiring person. you just have a knack for making others feel special. that’s how i felt when i was part of the *pink wink* brigade. i’m sure we all felt that way. YOU get us!
    kisses and hugs,
    cin

    Reply
  23. MNScrapbookmom - Kyra Avatar
    MNScrapbookmom – Kyra

    I was so delighted to revisit your blog and find this post. You are an incredible person and sister Michelle. I continue to be inspired by Shannon’s story and by your hope. Happy New Year to you. Kyra

    Reply
  24. Christine Wilson Avatar
    Christine Wilson

    Thanks so very much for the post card in the mail Michelle! Your sister Shannon lives on in the memories of many of us who follow your blog from time to time….I dedicated my blog to her this morning… http://cowgirlfromhanna.multiply.com/journal/item/295/Pink_socks_update
    *HUGS* to you
    Christine Wilson, the Cowgirl from Hanna, Indiana

    Reply
  25. kathymcelroy Avatar
    kathymcelroy

    I received my beautiful “Wink Often”, Thank You post card. I love it and will treasure it always.

    Reply
  26. Tina Wright Avatar
    Tina Wright

    Michelle, that little note was the best thing in my mail box, the day it came, thank you for taking the time to do that 🙂 Memories of your sister will always fill your days, just like the ones I have of my dad…I’m glad I could help out with the socks!hugs,tina

    Reply

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