(Andree blogging: words are Nancy's.)Erik's farewell message
On the morning of Aug. 14th at 7:22am Erik felt his time here was complete and his spirit was released. Immediately I (Nancy) felt as if I was being directed to go outside. As I walked through the grass an energy more powerful than I can describe traveled through my body leaving me cleansed and revitalized. I had an overwhelming sensation that Erik was now everywhere in everything all at the same time. I feel this was his message to me, letting me know he made it to his destination. Erik has shown me that he is now become one with all that is, sharing an indescribable amount of energy that radiates infinitely into all us, his energy always being here guiding and teaching us along our way. At the moment Erik left us, a little smile came across his face; he was now onto his next journey.
The E “Energy”
Over the next few months I continued to experience Erik’s energy in things that I saw and the way that I felt. During a discussion with a friend, I learned of an acquaintance of Erik’s, a landscape painter. While on his website I discovered “The Gateway” the energy of this painting touched me in a special way, I was disappointed to find out the painting had sold. As a result of this experience a new painting was commissioned and created in remembrance of Erik. Below were my thoughts to help in the creation of the new painting.
What I liked about – “The Gateway”
The sky reminds me of Erik's energy more powerful than you can imagine infinitely radiating off in all directions. The trees remind me of myself and the kids, still growing and tightly fastened to the ground not yet ready to let go. The water reflects Erik's spiritual journey and strength that provided him a path to follow.
My thoughts for the new painting
· A sky full of energy infinitely radiating off in all directions
· The time of year is fall
· Deciduous trees with beautiful leaves, some fallen and some still on the trees, the trees are changing, preparing for winter and growth in the spring just like the children and I changing and growing.
· The trees together in a grove but separated into three bunches symbolizing the children and I, all of us together but each very unique
· Erik was drawn towards water; it gave him energy, happiness and a spiritual sense of well being. He expressed to his friends and family the importance of being able to drink a simple glass of water, which he was unable to do. During the last two months that Erik was with us he dreamed, discussed and immersed him self in water. The day that we came home from the hospital, Aug. 13th in the midst of all the pain and trying to get comfortable, Erik looked at me with a smile on his face and energy in his eyes and all he wanted to do was sit in a simple tub of water. Erik used water as energy to make his spiritual journey. To be without water is to be without life.
What I wanted to achieve
· The sense of an indescribable amount of energy radiating out infinitely upon all of us (sky)
· A remembrance Erik's journey that he had experienced and shared with all of us (water)
· A new journey for the kids and I full of change and growth fueled by the energy in the sky (trees)
· A piece of art that encompasses both past and present
“Glowing Valley” in remembrance of Erik and his amazing energy
Ralston Fox Smith writes “This painting was a wonderful piece to work on as it encompasses the full spectrum of life and beyond. Thank you for trusting me and my style to create both a memory of Erik, but also the character and strength of your family. Such a difficult time for you all, I hope the “place” affords you some comfort as you journey onwards. Many visitors to my studio have fallen in love with your piece and we are all excited for it to grace its intended home”
Now gracefully hanging on the wall of the dining room, Erik’s energy is shared with all of you who visit. A place of past and future celebrations where friends and family are encouraged to share and experience the strength of the Purdom family.
