The parts of Mom's Last Few Years that I want to remember:

Picture“Embrace”, Yellow Wave Wonderstone (Pyrophyllite), 7”h x 5”w x 3”d

 
Earlier that day I happened to see them sitting like this, and I thought it was nice how well my parents have always gotten along. Later that day they told us that Mom had cancer.
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Dad was always there for her; driving to appointments, encouraging her, caring for her.  Often he would take her on mini-adventures  - fishing or camping when they had to go for treatments or check-ups, creating some of the greatest times in the middle of all of it. Through the toughest times it was hard to get him to leave her side long enough to just eat or to get a decent sleep. 
 
Picture“Support”, Black Chlorite, 4”h x 6” diameter

​The support mom received from all her friends and family was incredible to see.
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During many of the toughest times, you had to wait your turn to see her as what ever room she was in was at its capacity, which was really great. People did what they could for her from where ever they were.
 


Picture“Bound”, Raspberry Alabaster, 9-1/4”h x 3-5/8”w x 8-1/2”d

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​Her determination was really incredible.
Bound and brought to her knees by the return of the disease,  but refusing to stop fighting.
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Time for round two...







Picture“The Guardian”, Soapstone (on a spruce stump), 23-1/4”h x 10-1/2”w x 13-3/4”d


​​Racing up to see mom for the last time, panicking that I might miss saying good-bye, a beautiful snowy owl flew up and almost seemed to pose for me at the side of the road. Its incredible beauty had a calming effect, and I slowed down a bit—better make sure I get there safely. I made it in time, but exactly 12 hours later she was gone.
 
 
 
The owl is honored as the keeper of spirits who have passed from one plane to another. Often myth indicates the owl accompanying a spirit to the underworld -
winging it's newly freed soul from the physical world into the realm of spirit.
 
(http://www.whats-your-sign.com/animal-symbolism-owl.html )

Picture“Release”, Translucent Orange Alabaster (on granite base), 24-3/4”h x 14-3/8”w x 7-5/8”d


​​At first I wasn’t sure that I wanted to attend, but after the cremation I realized that being there did help to bring some closure and allowed me to say good-bye one more time.
When the last bit of energy was released from her body, I was reminded that my energy, as well as everyone's, will be released some day as well.

Sculptures and photos by Aaron Salamon
Dedicated to Noreen Salamon, (1958-2013)
As well as to Dave Salamon, friends and family of Noreen