oaxaca streetchildren grassroots shrine auction 2011, Jan Bush-Wood

"I saw the wonderful shrines for auction last year, and I knew then, I wanted to be part
of helping these children through Rebecca's auction. I wrestled with the idea of a shrine. I really didn't know much about them. I knew they were to memorialize a person. I had at least three ideas running through my head. But nothing felt...just right, until I made it personal. My Shrine is dedicated to "Amy" the only daughter I had,
she was born a stillbirth
in 1975, I was age seventeen.
I never got to see or hold her.

It took me fifteen years, to be able to talk about her, without breaking down.
T his experience of creating her shrine, became very sacred to me.
I found myself choosing with utmost care, items to include in this piece.
As if I was being guided by a spiritual presence.
It was very peaceful and healing.

This photo is what I imagine her to look like.
The words around the edge say;
"Now is the time
for all little children, cuddled,
go to rest, sleeping."

Tiny delicate slippers to adorn her feet , a royal crown for the princess,
a teddy bear friend,
blocks and a ball to play with, pink of course,
a lock of hair, frozen Charlotte angel,
nesting pair of birdies, flowers, butterfly,
and glitter, a gloved hand with rosary beads.

Now is the time
for all little children, cuddled,
go to rest, sleeping." This is how I picture her