Written and illustrated by Laurel Fraher. Published by HappyLove Studios.
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EMAILSee me every morning
In the brightly dawning sun.
See me in the snowflakes
When winter has begun.
See me in a flock of birds,
Together on the wing.
See me in the blossoms
That bloom with each new spring.
See me in the changing clouds,
Amid a summer sky.
See me in a flower
That with care will grow so high.
See me in the autumn leaves,
Falling from the trees.
See me in a butterfly,
Free upon the breeze.
Listen very deeply,
And in your heart you’ll know
That I am always here with you…
No matter where you go.
There’s wonder waiting
In each moment.
Find it and you’ll see…
When you embrace
This precious life,
You’ll be embracing me.
See Me in the Wonder began with my desire to teach our children about having a loved one who has died. Our first daughter, Julia, passed away when she was three. Although our other two children had never met their sister, I wanted them to know that she would always be a part of our lives and a part of the world around us. I wanted them to understand why we think of their sister when we see a butterfly, or the falling leaves, or a beautiful sunrise.
I began by writing a poem about the connections we share with the loved ones we’ve lost. Then, I poured my heart into creating watercolor illustrations that try to capture the sense of wonder we can feel when we stop and take in the beauty of our natural world. I believe that these moments of wonder can bring with them a strong sense of connection to everything around us. The illustrations also attempt to highlight the fact that all life is change, and as one thing is ending another is beginning. In my experience, this reminder of the nature of change and that all things are connected can bring a welcome sense of understanding and peace to the grieving process.
My publishing partner, and the designer of the book, is my husband, Robert Fraher. We are both eager for the opportunity to allow what we have learned through our own experiences help others who are dealing with loss. Our hope is that See Me in the Wonder be shared with a child who has questions about death, given to a friend who is grieving, or read in the quiet moments to remember those who will always be alive in our hearts and in the beauty that surrounds us.
I have been drawing, painting and creating as long as I can remember. I enjoy working with different types of media, but watercolors have always held a special place in my heart. I am continuously in awe of the intricate beauty and marvelous workings of our natural world, and it is this sense of wonder that I attempt to capture and inspire with my paintings.
I live in Menomonie, WI with my loving husband, Robert, two beautiful children, Lily and Henry, and two rambunctious kittens, Rocky and Mila. When life hands me a spare moment, I enjoy playing my ukulele, reveling in the company of my amazing friends, and being in the great outdoors. In the summertime, my favorite place to be is in my garden—watching for butterflies and thinking about our first daughter, Julia...the girl who started it all!
If our campaign is successful, the book will be available for direct order here soon!