my dear sister

Ellen among the Iris, by Paul Zdepski
I lost my biggest fan, protector, confidant and inappropriate out-burst'er today... My dear sister, Ellen. She passed away an hour and a half ago, in a hospital in New Jersey. She had suffered long and hard, but you would never have known it by her ability to find joy in every little thing.

I visited her in the Intensive Care Unit earlier this week, and we all had hope for her recovery, but the evidence showed the opposite. I drew her portrait in the hospital, while she was hooked up to the respirator, and intravenous tubes to various parts of her body. Even with those indignities, she looked peaceful and contented.

Ellen among the Iris, by Paul Zdepski

I sat with her and drew a portrait of her as a young girl of 13 years old, sneaking out into the garden in the wee hours of a summer's night. This piece is called "Ellen Among the Iris". She began her struggles at this age, and I wanted to show her in the un-bound joy she would so easily muster.

Tonight, I painted, cried and painted some more. She was a genuine love of my life... my dear sister. I miss you so...

Comments

Rick Lovell said…
I'm so sorry, but what a lovely tribute. Be strong.
Andrew W. Moir said…
I'm incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. :( I'm glad you shared these great drawings of her.
Redeker said…
Oh, so sorry to read that your sister has passed away....I wish you a lot of strength and also light.
I think to draw your sister in the night is a great memory...
Rabbit Town Art said…
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that things get beter for you soon. Your work is lovely and your blog post very moving.
Ana M.F. said…
I know the pain of having a sibling suffering from health problems so I'm deeply sorry to hear about your loss.
It's nice of you to remember her as a happy child.
My condolences to you and all your family.
Fleur de Mamoot said…
please accept my condolences,
sincerely,
Emmanuelle
Anthony Accardo said…
My condolences to you and your family during this sad time.
Mr. Spoqui said…
:'( I'm speechless, your tribute to her is touching. My condolences to you and your family.
Unknown said…
Paul, thanks for helping us know and love Ellen better!
My heart just breaks for you, I can not imagine the magnitude of your loss. Such a beautiful tribute!
So so sorry to hear of your great loss. Thank-you for taking the time to share..
michele said…
Your illustrations have touched my heart today. Sending most sincere condolences and hugs to you and your family.
zillustration said…
Thank you all for your generous outpouring of sympathy. I am thankful for all of you and your gentle ways.

most sincerely,
z
LA Levy-Holm said…
Oh Paul. My heart is with you.
Kenneth said…
I'm so sorry about your loss.

You and your family is in my prayers.
Tony LaRocca said…
I'm so so sorry for your loss. You created a beautiful tribute.
Unknown said…
A moving tribute my friend, my thought are with you.
Peace brother
xtian said…
Sorry for your loss.
Sometimes creating helps to cope with reality. It's good that she will continue to live through your art.
Linda Hensley said…
I'm so sorry for your pain. My thoughts are with you.
Anonymous said…
Please accept my condolences & best wishes. Though we haven't met, my thoughts are with you.
heike said…
I'm so sorry for your big loss especially as you two seem to have been very close. Maybe your art will help to cope. My heart goes out to you.

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