My sister texted me this morning that she was going to dedicate August 16th as a day of service to the community in honor of my mom's birthday. That is so perfect and the timing blew me away. Yesterday I went to see my mom and was going to bring her down to Peoria to celebrate her 85th birthday. When I got there she wasn't feeling up to the trip. It wasn't so much the travel, but the fact that she would have to be quarantined in her room for 2 weeks when she returned home.
It was also hot. We had a nice day together in Chicago, and then I went home alone. I had planned to BBQ with her and the Art Garage community for her birthday and was going to cancel when I realized there was another reason to celebrate. I had received a message when I was at the beach with my mom, just about the time I took the picture you see below. I was bummed because they were not letting anyone on the sand, which seemed ridiculous. The water looked so beautiful and just out of reach. We took a picture and I looked at my phone to see a message from the owner of two houses down the block. I had looked into buying them some time earlier. My plan was to expand the Art Garage project into one of community houses-- shared spaces meant to support and enrich the lives of everyone in the community. He texted me that the houses were again available. So this morning, I spoke with my neighbor across the street about creating a community house. He works with teens, and was saying that he would love to participate. He even had ideas ready to share, and said he worked with two others who were interested in mentoring teenage boys. WOW! Later in the morning, I showed the space to another neighbor. There is a huge garage on the property suitable for a little autoshop. He is constantly working on cars, and so I explained to him the idea of using the space while also teaching those skills to youth in the community. He was so positive and excited. I was riding a wave of joy and excitement. Although my mom was sorely missed at the cook-out, it was an amazing day, and good food too. My mom may not have been there physically, but she was definitely there in spirit and I will most certainly keep this day of August 16th as a day of honoring her and giving back to the community from this day forward. What a powerful day! Thank you MOM! I LOVE YOU
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Abigail LarrisonEducator, Scientist and Art Maker. The purpose of all life is to spread joy. What brings more joy than making art? Archives
November 2023
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