Journal entry by Magdalen Livesey —
From Leigh:
Many of you know that Sarah collaborated with artist Ari Hauben to create a mixed media artwork called Grace and Gratitude. It includes, as a base layer below paint and stenciling, a collage of letters, emails, cards, and notes written to Sarah by her loved ones after her cancer diagnosis. In her own words this work is “the story of my healing journey and the power of perspective, with art and friendship at its core.”
Before she died Sarah gifted Grace and Gratitude to Regional Hospice, where she spent her final weeks. Many of you have seen the short documentary about the making of the artwork. Regional Hospice (with Ari’s blessing and input from Magdalen) has created a post-script to the original video that includes a brief update on Sarah’s life after the documentary was made including images of Sarah’s hospice experience.
In no way is this a comprehensive end chapter to Sarah's story. It would take a million lifetimes to capture the fullness of Sarah and what she meant to the people she loved and who loved her. Instead the intention here – within the constraints of the medium, images available, intended audience, etc. – is to have this video as companion to Sarah’s painting at the hospice center, allowing patients, guests, and staff a glimpse into who she was and how the staff and environment at Regional Hospice provided the compassionate conditions to support Sarah at the end of her life.
Here's the link:
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Sarah's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?