I got the news that Devin died at the hospital this evening. He had been there for several weeks; desperately fighting his disease. You always found Devin in his mama's arms. He was a sweet and extremely bright little boy; barely two years old and he knew his alphabet and numbers. He was very much loved by his parents and grandma who were with him constantly. My heart was broken when I got the phone call from one of the other nurses. We loved our boy and we are all feeling such a great loss. This portrait I did of Devin in his mama's arms last summer, hangs in my studio. I will be relinquishing it soon and I will miss it and my boy.
When such a tremendous ache falls upon my heart I reach for my art tools and loose myself there for a bit. This evening I sat alone and did this little copy from a book I borrowed at the library last week. The sound of the gentle strokes of the charcoal pencil on the paper brought me comfort. Thank you God for filling my life with art and little ones.
Marta, I'm so desperately sorry. There aren't any adequate words at this time, but my sympathies to you and Devin's family.
Oh Marta...So, so sorry.
Marta, you make a big difference. Through you, I am joined in sympathy and compassion with people whom I have never met--and I am also a small part of their joys. Thank you for sharing yourself. Liz
Oh Marta, such sorrow - so young - my heart goes out to his family and you .
Marta, I am sure you were a comfort to his family, they knew how much you loved and cared for their child. It takes a very special person to do what you do. Continue the good fight. Deborah
Nurses and MD's, especially in pediatric units carry grief burdens that most of us never run into. Glad you are taking good care of yourself. Losing onesself on the paper is a big comfort.
Marta and Devin's Family: ((Circle of Angels Healing Hugs descend upon you to ease this Loss)) A life gone all too soon.
Sherrie
Marta,
What a lovely tribute to your little friend. I'm sad with you and gave my grandchildren extra hugs last night.
I also love your recent sketch from the masters. Please keep sharing your class work.
Shirley
Marta, I've said it before and I'll say it again -- I don't know how you do it. I deal with death regularly at work, but it is the other end of the life spectrum and seems more natural. We are all blessed that there are people like you doing what you do.
:-)
Marta, that is heartbreaking news. I am so sorry. I agree with what Linda said about how lucky the world is to have you doing what you do. Take care.
Oh, Marta, I'm so sorry. I remember when you posted that beautiful, sensitive portrait. Having seen it, I almost feel as though I knew him too.
I feel a sense of loss with you Marta. You are all in my thoughts.
I also hope you feel better after your illness? Take care
Ronell
Marta, words can't begin to express my sadness upon reading your post. It reminds me how precious life is and how important it is to live every second we are given. Your drawings are beautiful.
I think little Devin is on his way to heaven now. He was so lucky to be surround by his mama, caring nurses. May your heart be blessed with your wonderful art energy. I love your sketches.
Marta, it's people like you who truly make a difference in our world. Your gentle care and loving heart are gifts from God, I know the families of your dear, sweet patients must feel so blessed to have you! I cried when I read your post, my prayers went out to you and to little Devon's family. God bless you!!
Oh I am so sorry, what a sweet child to be swept from his mothers arms into his Fathers. I will pray for their family, such a terrible loss for them. I have enjoyed your sketches of him and geting to know him via our conversations. You are special in that you are able to touch so many young lives and make a difference for them and their families at such a hard time. You have been given a special gift. I thank God for your willingness to walk hand in hand with all your kids in their cancer journey's.
Thank you for sharing this sad news. I remember when you first posted about him with your portrait. Will you be giving it to his mother? I'm sure you gave him and his mother such comfort knowing he was in your care. I'm struck by the picture you chose to copy -- I couldn't get it to open larger but it seems to be a woman doing some sort of women's handiwork -- the kind of thing that has soothed women's pain throughout time, especially when shared in groups with other women. Even though we aren't sitting in a circle together, we are still sharing our handiwork and our sorrows (and joy) with each other.
I felt so sad the other day when I visited and read this post. I'm really so sorry. This is the kind of news we should never hear happen, but unfortunately life has these obstacles. Poor boy. I hope his family is alright after such a big loss.