Grief Is a Photobomber

“Grief is a Photobomber” 18 x 24 inches, oil pastel on paper, by Susan E. Brooks

Proverbs 14:13 (NIV) Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.

After the murder of my friend in Mozambique, my emotions seemed to be beyond control. Armed robbers entered the property one night while my husband was two days’ drive away in South Africa. The attackers shot our guard, entered the home of the family living right behind us, then shot and killed the father as he defended his family.

Hearing the screams and gunshots, I telephoned for help, trembling with fear and praying like I’ve never prayed before or since. My mouth was cotton-dry as I whispered in the dark to my friends who lived nearby. They soon came to rescue us, lights blazing and horns blaring. My friend died that night, and I wondered if any of us would ever feel safe again.

In the weeks that followed, the sorrow inhabiting my body seemed disconnected from my thoughts. I could be sitting at a restaurant, not consciously thinking about anything sad, but tears would start streaming down my face. Grief would photobomb my happy moments. God gave us tears to release our pain, and even if my mind didn’t want to go there, my body knew what I needed. I was surprised by my weeping, but God was not. In time, my joy would be restored, but in that moment, I needed to weep.

The "Grief Is a Wolf" series of pastels will be on display as part of my solo show from March 3 until April 4 at Kore Art Gallery, 942 E. Kentucky St., Louisville, Kentucky 40204. Open Wednesday thru Saturday 11:00 to 6:00, Sunday 12:00 to 4:00. A percentage of sales from the show will go to Kentucky Refugee Ministries.