Healing Through Art: A Tribute to My Mother-in-Law

Grief is complex. It comes in waves, sometimes gentle, sometimes overwhelming. When my mother-in-law, Patricia, passed away, I found myself turning to something that has always brought me peace—art.

I knew I wanted to create something special in her honor, something that captured her spirit and the love we all had for her. Art has always been a healing outlet for me, and this time, it became a way to process my emotions and create something meaningful for her memory.

Creating the Tribute Piece

I spent two days working on this piece, carefully coloring in intricate floral designs that incorporated her favorite color—purple. I chose Psalm 23, a passage that brings comfort and reassurance, and formatted it into the design so it would be a central part of the tribute.

Psalm 23 (KJV):
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

To add a personal touch, I designed a 2×3 note in Canva with a heartfelt dedication from our family. I then went to Michael’s to find a large enough frame and a stand to display it properly.

On Display at the Funeral Home

When we arrived at the funeral home, I placed the framed piece where everyone could see it. I wasn’t sure how people would react, but I was touched by how many compliments and kind words it received. People told me it was beautiful, that it felt personal and meaningful, and that it truly honored Patricia’s memory.

Art has a way of expressing emotions when words fall short. Creating this tribute was not just about making something beautiful—it was a way for me to channel my grief, celebrate her life, and share a piece of my heart with others.

Final Thoughts

This experience reaffirmed something I’ve always believed: art is healing. It allows us to slow down, reflect, and process emotions in a way that feels tangible. While grief doesn’t disappear, having this piece to look at brings a sense of peace and remembrance.

I’m grateful that I was able to honor Patricia in this way, and I hope that in some small way, it brought comfort to those who loved her.

Have you ever used art as a way to process emotions or honor a loved one? I’d love to hear your experience.

Where to Find This Coloring Page

If you’d like to create something similar, the coloring page I used comes from the book Psalms in Color: Coloring Book for Adults by Christian Art Publishers. It’s a beautiful collection of scripture-based designs that allow for both creativity and reflection. You can find it on Amazon here (affiliate link), meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to purchase it.