This piece was first published on The Weekly Service website, where Rose is an artist in residence.

Words are convenient containers, but sometimes they aren’t big enough.

What to say, when words are not enough?

Sometimes, deciding not to speak, but showing “I am thinking of you, you are not forgotten” is the biggest gift of all:

Leaving a surprise block of chocolate, or some veggies from your garden on their doorstep.
Posting some seeds from the hollyhocks you grew last spring.
Posting that perfect white feather and the leaf curving around on itself in a perfect circle that you found on your walk.
Leaving a surprise chalk drawing on their footpath.
Sharing photos of a painting you made the last time you were together, of the colours you saw and felt from their smiles, whilst listening to their stories of lonely neighbours connecting after decades spent alone.

I am thinking of you.

You are not forgotten.

I made this painting thinking of you, shining.