Grief, death, and loss are complex topics.

In the USA, we especially don't like to talk about death, we don't like to think about it, and we certainly don't want to see it. Unless it's got a flashy soundtrack, lots of explosions, and Keanu Reeves is dancing around the screen with a bloody pencil in his hand (see John Wick 1, 2, or 3 for reference).

So why TF am I talking about it, you ask? Because a war has just broken out (the time of writing and publishing are a few weeks apart), and people are dying. Additionally, in the last two years, we have lost a lot of people because of the pandemic or had to stand by feeling helpless while other people lost people.

Add to the above a recent intense personal experience. I was very close to multiple losses a few weeks ago. Both my parents were very sick with what we believed was Covid, and I couldn't be there to care for them. They weren't eating well or able to care for each other. At the same time, my beloved Simon was at the vet, and his return home was not guaranteed. I felt that I was on the precipice of losing so much all at once.

I felt the gut-wrenching nauseating fragility of it all.

I can talk about it now with relief because all is well - in my home - There is still a war going on.

My parents recovered, and my dog came home. One day though, that won't be the case, and I've been thinking. Why don't we know what to say when someone dies? Besides baking a boiled chicken casserole, I don't know what to do either. How do we provide comfort so that the grieving person does not feel like they have to comfort us? Because that's a thing.

How can we truly be there for people experiencing grief?

The experience has not left me. I've started thinking about grief and how I can show up as an artist in a meaningful and comforting way. In my bio, I state that I want my art to bring joy, but comfort is okay too. I have decided to do some research into grief, I have asked friends for help, and I plan to design and launch a line of cards focused on grief, healing, and comfort.

While I look to find the right words and messages, I've been painting dead flowers. The symbolism of dry, brittle flowers has stuck with me. Their beauty still remains even in death. I don't want to be morbid with my art, but I want to be honest about the pain of loss.

I would like to invite you to share any words of comfort that have helped you in the past. Are there words that have indeed brought you comfort? Are there words that you wish someone had said to you? If so, please leave a comment below. I'd like to hear from you. I'd also like to know if the image of dried / dead flowers resonates with you?

~Jill