Grief feels like waves crashing in without any notice and slowly going back out. Sometimes taking my breath away with pressure so heavy I feel like I’m drowning. I can’t put into words the pain I’ve experienced in the last couple months mourning the physical death of my mother. But I can tell you that I have experienced Gods grace and faithfulness on a whole new level.
Because of my mom (she would say it’s the Holy Spirit and she’s right) I finally started studying the Bible the last 5 years. She had all kinds of great recommendations of stuff that she already studied. She said she would study it again if I would do it with her. As I’m writing this I’m just bawling because I wish I would’ve done more of those things before she passed. But I’m so incredibly grateful for the time we had. She taught me so much. She taught me to trust the process.
Let it flow even when it hurts. The growing pains are part of the process. There’s only been a few days that I haven’t cried. I miss her so much. I can hear her voice and things she would say to me. Like “something good can come out of this.” She would say that all of the time.
I have found peace in the pit of the barrel even as my tears fill up the ocean. Being called into the deep unknown has showed me how powerful Gods word really is. It is vital. It is a life line. It has continually pulled me from the darkness.
I’ve also witnessed an amazing community uplift me and my family through these difficult times. Thank you! I’m so deeply grateful we have access to Gods word and are free to follow Jesus with our community.
Sometimes you have to sit still to get somewhere. Sometimes we have to release an ocean of tears to ride the grief waves. Sometimes we have to just sit in the ocean deep tears and let the waves crash over us. So that we can be cleansed. So we can trust. That this too shall pass. That this is not the end. We will see our loved ones again. In paradise.
Live Painting Fine Art Print | 11” × 14”
Bring home a piece of this unforgettable moment.
This 11” × 14” fine art paper print is reproduced from an original painting created live during The Nadas performance at RAGBRAI 2026 in Guthrie Center, Iowa.
Inspired by the music, the people, and the spirit of RAGBRAI, each live painting is created in the moment, making every piece a unique reflection of the experience.
Each print is personally hand-signed by artist Renae Zanella and professionally printed on archival-quality paper here in Iowa. Once the live painting is complete, your print will be carefully packaged and shipped directly to your home.
Details
- 11” × 14” fine art paper print
- Reproduced from an original painting created live at RAGBRAI
- Personally hand-signed by the artist
- Professionally scanned and printed on archival-quality paper here in Iowa
- Carefully packaged and shipped directly to you after the painting is complete. Please allow 2-4 weeks for arrival.
Thank you for supporting live art and independent artists. I hope this piece serves as a lasting reminder of the music, the memories, and the community that make RAGBRAI so special.
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