It has now been 2 years since my sweet baby girl, Makenna Lee, was born. Her life and her passing has taught me so much and through my grief I have gained a deepening appreciation and gratitude for life, the people I love, and the beauty of the world around me. I enjoy sharing our story with others because it not only helps me to keep her close and real, but I hope to inspire and help people. I feel that Makenna and I still have a mission together.
The 1st Annual "Painting for Makenna" Auction:
This is why I started the Annual "Painting for Makenna" Auction. Last year, as her birthday was approaching, I was worried how I would get through the grief that at times was truly suffocating. I missed her so much and was in fear of forgetting and loosing my memories of her. A week before her birthday, it came to me. I wanted to do something to honor her that would help others. I am an artist, so it seemed logical to sell a painting and donate the sell to a charity that would help other people going through similar trials. Therefore, last year I painted "Spring Rain" and gave the proceeds of the auction to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS), a non-profit organization that provides professional photographic services to help families suffering the death of a baby preserve memories. This is a great organization that helped me with Makenna's passing. The day Makenna died, our nurse called NILMDTS. A photographer, Matthew Tennison, came at 8:00 pm on a Sunday night and spent an hour taking pictures of Makenna, my husband, my mother, and myself. She died 45 minutes after he left. Those pictures have been so precious to our family. I wanted to help others know about and receive these services if they need them. You can see some of these photos in other posts in this blog.The 2nd Annual "Painting for Makenna" Auction:
This year, I am donating the proceeds of the auction to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. My mom and I stayed free of charge at the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey, PA during most of the time that Makenna was in the Hospital. We had a place to prepare our own meals, volunteers came every night to prepare dinner, and we met many families going though similar stressful times, which was helpful. It was amazing! I want to use my talents and experiences I had with Makenna to help others going through similar hard times.
Watercolor
10" x 14"
I chose this painting because it has her colors! Pink! She not only loved pink, definitely not my favorite color, but the Red Bud trees were in bloom during the time of her birth. Pink is her color! I was inspired to paint this from my trip to Monterey, CA a couple weeks ago. The ice plants were in full bloom and reminded me of my baby girl!
Also, only one person can own the original painting, but you can still help! I am offering prints and greeting cards of this painting for sale on Fine Art America. All proceeds will also be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities!
Thank you for your help!
God Bless You!
Love from,
Brienne and Makenna
