Tuesday, June 28, 2011

In memory of ...



The way things happen ... Robin gave me St. Francis (the "poor man from Assisi") a while back. He was in her garden when they bought their new house. He needed some work. The woodpeckers were eating him away. Robin's dad was worried about him and didn't want to see him end up at the dump. Rog and I rescued him and I was so excited to save him.


He's almost restored! Patched his woodpecker holes and repainted his face. Repainted his robes. His feet are still at the podiartist's (cute huh?) almost ready so he can stand on his own two feet. Made him a new cincture (the cord around his waist) ... didn't even know what a cincture was! Even learned how to tie a cincture barrel knot. A cincture knot might remind you of a vow that you took. St. Francis was the model of humility and faith. The wearing of a cincture has always been a sign of chastity and humility.


Rog made him a new tray and he has two permanent birds always perched there. The root cross I dug from the ground some time ago seemed perfect tucked safely against him.


Robin's dad's name is Roger too. Robin lost her big brother, Randy on June 25th 2011. Her dad lost his son. The doctors could not save him from the cancer that spread throughout his body. I wanted to fix and restore St. Francis so Robin's dad would not worry. That was my plan ... pretty easy ... that was all I COULD fix ... now that barrel knot will forever remind me of Randy.


prayers for comfort for my forever friend, Robin,

and her family

in the loss of a brother, father, husband, son, uncle and friend.

In Memory of



Randy A. Brunelle

August 20, 1957 - June 25th, 2011



prayer written by St. Francis in the 13th century


Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

21 comments:

  1. Hi Ger. That's a lot of work you've been doing restoring St. Francis. You've done a beautiful job. How tall is he?? I remember you posted about him before and I think you did say how tall he was, but I forgot. I'm so sorry about the loss of Randy. It's always so hard to lose someone and especially with the terribe C work. I wish you well and also Randy's family. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm so sorry about Randy. I hope his going was not too hard. Gentleness and blessings to those in new grief.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful tribute to Randy... sending thoughts of love and peace your way and to his family.

    You have done a wonderful job with St. Francis - I have always loved that prayer (especially in song).

    xo
    Kristin

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a lovely thing to do, and such a wonderful way to remember someone dear.

    ReplyDelete
  5. oh how sad,, gone way too young,, this is the most touching tribute to a friend,, its just wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. wonderful restoration and sending my deepest sympathy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. A wonderful tribute. You have done an amazing restoration. Annette x

    ReplyDelete
  8. so sorry to hear of your friend's passing but what a lovely thing for you to do. the animal santuary in our town is called assisi after his kindness to all creatures. you've done a great job restoring him.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm sorry about your friend. :(

    St. Francis is looking wonderful! Great job!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I agree with Netty, a wonderful tribute and you did an amazing job restoring this piece.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely tribute and your work in restoring this figure is amazing. I love the tray with the birds and the cross. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great job on the statue! Sorry for your loss...wishing you peace and joy in your heart :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a beautiful job you did bringing him back to life! The birds and the cross are just so heartfelt and add so much. I love it! HAPPY PPF!

    ReplyDelete
  14. The poor guy looks like he was shot in the head. Those darn woodpeckers! They are so destructive. I'm glad you were able to restore him. You did a fantastic job on him. What a wonderful tribute to your friend's brother, this act of love.

    ReplyDelete
  15. what a great thing you did to restore St Francis! that is such a great piece that will be treasured for years.
    my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your friend.

    ReplyDelete
  16. what a sweet tribute.
    the hardest part of loss is not being able to fix it. for anyone.
    I'm sure that the restoration was a healing process in and of itself for more than just St Francis

    ReplyDelete
  17. He looks wonderful! What a great job you did restoring him. A perfect tribute.

    ReplyDelete
  18. He looks like a lot of fun! You did a great job. Happy PPF.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wonderful job you did restoring this statue & tribute. Thanks for stopping in. Lovely week to you.
    Theresa

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a tribute and what a fabulous restoration you did bringing new like to St. Francis!

    I hope he helps bring everyone peace in their sorrow.
    Big hug.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I always enjoyed looking at the St Francis statue when I pulled my car in Tam and Robins driveway even in it's prior appearance. What a great job restoring and a great tribute for a wonderful family.

    Mike

    ReplyDelete

thx for the note! i do appreciate your time!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...