Today, in the midst of being stressed about a messy house, spending money on supplies when I'm trying to MAKE money, and various other personal issues, I decided to finally make a piece which has been in heart my and on my mind for almost a year, now.
One of the biggest motivators for me to get into clay was my first daughter, Amber. For her first Father's Day present, we made Jim a gift of polymer clay handprints, and it was then that I realized I wanted to work in clay. It took a couple more years for me to realize it was ceramic clay instead of polymer clay, but that was the moment that spurred me to where I am now.
And she was a milestone for me in so many other ways, as well. She was not the calm, "happy" baby I had seen on TV or read about. She required either my hubby or me to carry her most of the day, bouncing and walking, and facing her outward. The rest of the time she nursed. I didn't know it at the time, but she led us into the idea of "Attachment Parenting".
Fast forward several years later, and as I sat in church one Sunday, my youngest daughter clung to me while the rest of her siblings, including her twin brother, left for Sunday School. For a second, I felt guilty, as if I was "spoiling" her (though I knew I wasn't, the feeling still crept in). But then as she wrapped her arms around me, I knew that being there for her in that moment was more important than trying to push her independence on her. I knew that for now, she just needed me to hold her - for a little bit longer. And I promised to her, and my other children, "I will hold you, for as long as you need me to."
And so this project is not just another sculpture to me. Like the pregnant couple, or the couple in labor, this piece has my heart all wrapped up in it. The words of my promise are inscribed on the bottom, and I hope they touch the heart of another mother who knows that this time with her children are short, and that holding them just a little longer if they need it, is something she will never regret.
I hope to make several pieces along this line - moments I've shared with my children, in time for Mother's Day. Here, then, is the first:
Debbie - lovely story - my Ben was a clinger (not so much when he was little like Amber) but after he was older in like 4 - 8 grades. Yes that kind of an embarrassing age for that especially in public. But how, oh how can you tell your child he can't hug you and give you a kiss, really? I think I would have done more emotional damage if I had pushed him away. Of course sometimes he wanted to overdo it and then I would gently tell him it was enough or I had to go, or whatever. Even through high school when I would stop in his room to say good night as I went out the door he would always blow me a kiss. :) Kim Owen
ReplyDeleteSo heart touching!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and wonderful works of art! Looking forward to more of them!
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie, what a beautiful piece! Clearly from your heart! Thank you for sharing. :)
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