The Whistler

Tuesday - October 6, 2009

When thinking about "The Whistler," many of us may think about the famous painting - Whistler's Mother, which is an 1871 oil-on-canvas painting by American-born painter James McNeill Whistler. According to some historians, when a model fell ill and could not pose Whistler’s mother said she would pose for her son. She initially stood for the painting, but had to sit because of her frailty. It is also said that Whistler was conveying something of his mother's strong Protestant character in the sombre pose, expression and colouring.

Before I had to take the Art Education classes at MU, I always thought the lady in the chair was actually whistling! :):) Then I found out the name of the artist and the story behind the painting - and I was disappointed she wasn't whistling at all!

I was with Mom today and noticed this afternoon she was whistling up a storm. Then I got to thinking - how long has it been since she has done that?? It has been a while! We try to keep Mom as active as possible. At 89 she needs to be needed! She gets a little upset when she thinks about us leaving our homes and coming to stay with her. We try to assure her we are doing what we want to do!!! No, it's not always easy, but, we all made a promise to Dad - almost four years ago - that we would take care of Mom! He knew we would, but at that time, it was as if he was free to go Home without worrying about Mom. He was always her protector and the love of her life. He was the provider for the family in more ways than just earning a living by working every day until he was old enough to retire. He was the one we all looked up to and valued his words of wisdom.

Since Dad left December 2, 2005 - Mom has felt a little loss. She had always cared for Dad, especially after he had suffered numerous heart-attacks, heart surgery, and carotid surgery on his neck. Dad was a fighter, and worked until he no longer had the strength to pick up the hammer. Mom is a lot like Dad. She wants to work so badly, but realizes her eye-sight is hindering her from doing what she had done her entire life.

The church's "Ladies' Circle" is planning a Christmas Bazaar with a luncheon. They will be selling tickets for the luncheon and hope they have enough Christmas ornaments, decorations, cookies, cakes, and anything else the ladies can fix to sell to the public. Mom has always loved making things and giving them to family and friends. She so wants to make something for the bazaar. So, I have been racking my brain, scouring my craft books, and finally came up with some projects that she can do!!! When she realized that she will actually be able to make some of these items - it has been all smiles and whistling from her!!!! Such a sweet sound to hear and see that Mom is happy!!!!

We went scouring the craft stores today looking for small clothespins which she will stain, and then we both will string on ribbon to make a reindeer necklace. (Oh, the new Hobby Lobby is absolutely awesome!) I will do the intricate details, but she will be able to stain the wood. So Saturday, if all goes well, we will be staining the pins, putting eyes on them, and painting their noses red!! She will be making her necklaces for the bazaar!!! I plan on taking pictures to post at a later date!!!

She feels useful, wanted, and loved!!! That's the way we like it!

The following picture isn't exactly in the same manner as the "Whistlers' Mother!" This is just one a little more modern!!! We all love you Mom!!!!!!!