The Heart of it All Has Broken

It is with great sorrow that I write this blog post/announcement…

As many may already know, my beloved mother-in-law—about whom I wrote my last post on July 29^th—passed away on August 25^th, a mere week ago. https://lakechapalaprojects.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/the-heart-of-it-all/

Life has obviously changed dramatically since the last post. I’m so grateful that I sent a copy my writing to her when she still felt well enough to read it. And I’m touched that it meant so much to her that she asked for it to be read at her graveside service. When she realized she was getting so sick (6 to 12 months quickly turned into only weeks) she made sure we knew her last wishes. It was difficult to read that post aloud to everyone—to know that the woman who had helped me get to this point was gone. I still shake my head in disbelief numerous times each day.

Though Fay encouraged me to follow my dreams and go to Mexico, she also wanted to make sure that I took care of my husband because she knew how broken hearted he would be. And he is. And I am. And I know this grief will be something that hangs on for a long, long time.

So it is with a heavy heart that I announce the postponement of my project in Mexico. After much consideration, I realize that my priority must be my family. I cannot in good conscience travel out of the country to make artwork while my family mourns the loss of someone so important to us. I cannot leave my partner to grieve alone.

The Lake Chapala Projects are not cancelled—Fay would certainly not stand for that—they are just postponed for a little while. I have worked too hard and planned too much to not manifest this project, but I know my husband needs me right now and that this is the right place to be.

I am trying to look at the positive aspects of this decision—this will give me more time to work on The River, more time to raise money for the project, more time to make connections and work on ideas before I arrive.

I thank everyone so much for all the amazing support I’ve received. I will continue to work on the blog and post updates about the work and the Chapala region. I do hope that my supporters will understand this change in my plans and not be too disappointed.

Serendipitously, there was a bit of a shake-up during the first week of classes and I was just offered a teaching position for the Fall. The last two weeks have been the most difficult ones I’ve ever experienced, but I know that together Eric and I will get through this. And that The Lake Chapala Projects will evolve to be even better.

Thank you for your understanding and support. There will be more to come…