Thankful.

Yesterday, November 23rd 2011, my beloved mentor, inspiration, and muse passed away at 6:51 am.  Rachel Wood, aka Mema was a very important figure in my life.  She was creative, regal, passionate, loving, a busy body, and a terrific gardener.  Mema has been an ongoing source for inspiration for me both in life and in my art practice.  This woman has had a large impact on my life and I miss her very much. 

Several years ago she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It has been very difficult to watch this strong woman slowly loose her mind and with it her familiarity with family. Her eyes were not the same color blue and her ever-evolving vocabulary stunted.  There were moments when you felt that she recognized you, but these were few and far between.  The days before her death, my dad told me it was as if she had her mind back briefly understanding the loved ones around her. 

I know mema is with me today in my heart, Thanksgiving day was always a time I looked forward to spending time with her and the famous “green stuff”.  Today I will make her sweet potato souffle. The absolute best!  

Before her Alzheimer’s increased in severity I asked Mema to hand-write her sweet potato souffle recipe down for me. She did, and now I share with you this delicious treat and the last piece of writing I received from this incredible woman.

Thank you Mema, I am thankful for you today and all days.

Love,

Laura

2 notes
Leave Note / Reblog