Comments on: An Altered Book :: The Gift

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:37:18 +0000

I just happened on your altered book site. My eye caught the story of your mother. When I read about your mama, it was as though you were writing my story. Im so sorry about your mama, I know how different they become. Thanks for sharing, it makes this heaviness not so heavy knowing that someone else understands.

God Bless You,
Debbie

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:30:51 +0000

Karen , I cannot begin to say how much this whole article moved me; with inner stillness and outer tears. The tears were of the complete beauty in the photo, in the book and the time taken , in your words but mostly in the love that this piece is so carefully wrapped it.
There is so much to learn from this one page.
I am sure I will visit it again…
with respect

By:

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:41:19 +0000

what a lovely woman your mother was, and what a beautiful sensitive daughter she raised.

By:

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:53:29 +0000

I know how you felt at the sight of the strange new mother. I too, lost my precious mother to the ages. She suffered a great deal of pain and was so much in pain that it was never relieved until the hospice Compassionate Hands came in with their morphine. After months of dementia and illness, surgery and neglect by the medical community, she passed away to Heaven. Her belief in Christ that she gave me, kept us through it. The hospice nurses medicated her into a coma and then they didn’t give her IV or Lasiks. She was gone in a very short time and I still feel as if I allowed them to euthanize her… what a nightmare. She was dying yes, but I still feel as if they hastend it… I know I did my best, but it seems so wrong the way they treated her. I know that there are many more and much worse stories of hospice. I feel as if the most beautiful, harmless person on earth was just quenched in her helplessness. Good that I have Christ. He promises that I will be with her again. He is our mediator, and the one with all authority. He conquered death and the grave.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:57:27 +0000

Karen, When I first glanced at the photo of your mother I somehow knew or felt your connection to her and that she had left you with a heartful of memories, that you were meant to share. As I read of your experience, I could feel the warm tears roll down my cheeks, my heart was with you as you mourned for your mother.Rest assured, she lives on… within the hearts of all who cherish the soul of us all. My mother is with us still and I am so aware of the difficulty, and prayers that are so deep within us when we feel so helpless to make things better for those we love. Thank You for sharing so much with us all. Sincerely, Sharon

By: mary

mary — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:40:36 +0000

I too lost my Mom to Alzheimer’s, in 2004. My brother and I took care of her for 5 and a half years. I wrote about it all along. I was telling a friend about wanting to put the writings in some form … a book, a play, a movie, what? She mentioned an altered book. What’s that, I asked. I googled it and found you! You with the same experience. Feel free to visit my blog “Helen’s Girl” that you can find by following a sort of “rabbit hole” on my website – a brain icon. It’s about my Mom’s decline. I’m inspired to create an altered book. As a writer and artist it feels like the perfect form for this story. I look forward to exploring this medium. I am grateful to have found your beautiful work and a kindred spirit who knows the experience of losing a precious mother bit by bit.

By: mosaic tile

mosaic tile — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:37:05 +0000

hey karen
nice poem
really heart touching
i was so impressed by your simple expression
good work

By: Mary-Anne

Mary-Anne — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:07:27 +0000

Karen,

I am very impressed with your website and blog. I am into Victorian art and would like to develop and use some on my website.

I assume you must be an artist.

Mary-Anne

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:45:09 +0000

I agree with you, Vicki, the comments here are amazing. Isn’t it wonderful that we can share our experiences, sadnesses and joys with one another this way.

By: vicki cook

vicki cook — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 06:24:32 +0000

Karen,

I loved reading all of the lovely comments! I am deeply touched by your willingness to share your mom’s story and how your relationship changed and evolved through her disease.

You created a perfect tribute to her and to your LOVE FOR HER!

I know in my heart that, like my own father, she is now whole again both physically & mentally and cherishes this “gift” just as if you’d given it to her.

Your GORGEOUS book has inspired me to begin again. Two years ago, after my dad died (parkinson’s & dementia with leweybodies), I bought a vintage brass (cigarette case?) box and toyed with the idea of making an accordian book to fit inside. I needed a push from this “fresh approach” to finally honor my precious dad! Thank you! – vicki xo