To my dearest family. some things I’d to say. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; Here, there is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy, just because I am out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on Earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.” It’s good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on. I need you here so badly, you’re part of my plan. There’s so much that we have to do, To help our mortal man. God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, The day’s chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you… in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on Earth and all those loving years. Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand. But one thing is for certain, Though my life on Earth is over. I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb. But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too: That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and in pain, Then you can say to God at night… “My day was not in vain.” And now I am contented… that my life was worthwhile, Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low: Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go. While you’re walking down the street, And you’ve got me on your mind, I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it’s time for you to go… From that body to be free, Remember you’re not going…you’re coming home to me. - Eloise -
Print and Web

A Letter From Heaven

This piece was created as a tribute and memorial to my dearest sister and best friend, Eloise Schwab. She left March 19, 2014 to join her maker and those that came before her. While loved by all who knew her, no one shall miss her more than I.

To my dearest family. some things I’d to say. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; Here, there is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy, just because I am out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on Earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.” It’s good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on. I need you here so badly, you’re part of my plan. There’s so much that we have to do, To help our mortal man. God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, The day’s chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you… in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on Earth and all those loving years. Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand. But one thing is for certain, Though my life on Earth is over. I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb. But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too: That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and in pain, Then you can say to God at night… “My day was not in vain.” And now I am contented… that my life was worthwhile, Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low: Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go. While you’re walking down the street, And you’ve got me on your mind, I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it’s time for you to go… From that body to be free, Remember you’re not going…you’re coming home to me. - Eloise -

Conception and Idea

A month  had passed by since her death. The previous two months had been somber with rigorous travel schedules to include in the midst of the unfolding reality.

Returning home, sad and tired, it was time to get down to business, and get the taxes done. The aftermath usually includes going through and cleaning out the file box. Moving through the task, I happened to go through a file folder named Personal. In it, is material that gets stashed away because  it is either neat stuff or may mean something some day.

Systematically reviewing each item in the folder, I came across two worn printed pages containing the text content of this letter. The pages were dated 1998 and the original was signed from Jean. There was no source of where they came from. Jean’s words were moving to say the least and I credit her for moving me to produce this piece.

It was no accident those pages were printed and filed that day so many years ago.

Technique and Production

Composite image was produced in Photoshop CS6. More to follow.