little altars for sophia
the nature table altar is at the entrance to our home where her little brother puts his treasures from our walks. she made the candle holder in kindergarten, a gift to us, her last christmas. he likes to gather leaves, rocks, pine cones, acorns, wild chestnuts, even abandoned snail shells. often, he will pick something up and say ” this is for sophia“. he and i made the chain of mairigolds (inspired by the rodrigvitzstyle trademark) to place there today for all saints’ day.
a brother’s altar. this one is on his book shelf, in his room. the pictures are happy days, an angel and some of my favorite stones (amethyst in his favorite color) i gave him last christmas, and a beeswax sculpture of the 3 wise men that he made in kindergarten.
our family room altar. sophia loved and collected edelsteine, semi-precious stones. when she was in the hospital, she recieved some of these from her friends in kindergarten, some are gifts from her papa and his travels, and the starfish are from her brother’s trip to the baltic sea this summer with his grand parents.
the angel altar in the music room (and guest room). i hung this picture here intentionally. it is a space that she loved to be in and one that was very hard to enjoy after she was gone. we have spent so many hours together in this room. she was always happiest when singing, dancing, and twirling or playing keyboard alongside her papa on guitar.
this altar was also inspired by those who love her. everytime we go to her grave, we find fresh flowers, stuffed animals, and little angels left by people who love and miss her. most of the time, we have no idea who they are. there are pictures drawn by her friends that i have hung in her room, cards and letters to her on her birhday, so many things. every single item left for her at her grave has been felt like a big huge hug, carried home with immeasurable graditute, and placed at this altar. i wish i had the words to describe what it does to my heart, how deeply touching it is, to find these gifts at her grave.
i am so grateful that no one has forgotten her.
little altars for sophia naturally formed throughout our home. if there was a space without a picture of her, then i made sure to put one in it. she is never far from my heart and mind- i wanted to be anywhere in our home, and know exactly where to turn and see her.
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today is dia de la muertos, a holiday i’ve learned a lot about from my dear friend steph of rodrigvitzstyle who is also hosting dia de bloglandia today along with susanna and rebecca.
november 1st is also all saints’ day and the 2nd, all souls day in germany.
you can visit other dia de bloglandia participants here.
Rhonda Roo http://roostreehouse.typepad.com/
November 1st, 2009 at 4:14 pmHello to you, and to Sophia, and her sweet sweet brother and papa, all of whom i wrap on this day in a virtual hug.
Thank you so much for sharing. I hope the music you hear today is whispery angel wings…
Stephanie http://rodrigvitzstyle.typepad.com
November 1st, 2009 at 4:42 pmoh Elsa, I am crying…tears of joy that you can share all this with us. I adore that you have so many different altars for Sophia. She is everywhere.
thank you so much,
love,
steph
Chris http://prismtrail.blogspot.com
November 1st, 2009 at 6:41 pmWow. This is very moving and a wonderful tribute.
carmen http://heartandsoulgardening.blogspot.com
November 1st, 2009 at 6:49 pmWe will remember her forever…
thank you for such a beautiful altars and the sharing of the meaning of every single detail.
Soul hugs!
somepinkflowers http://somepinkflowers.typepad.com/
November 1st, 2009 at 7:49 pmyou are right about this, dear elsa,
no one has forgotten your sweet sophia.
~~no one has forgotten her, one bit~~
her big beautiful eyes
shine around the world…
like stephanie,
i adore how sophia’s presence is felt in every room,
little treasures gathered every day
to honor her.
the little starfish from the beach,
oh, my…
i love how you love her daily.
Julie Prichard http://www.julieprichard.com
November 1st, 2009 at 9:37 pmThis is really really beautiful.
xo
susanna http://www.susannassketchbook.typepad.com
November 1st, 2009 at 10:41 pmI’m so moved by your post, Elsa. Your Sophia was so pretty and it’s evident from the photographs you have of her, that she was well-loved and loved life. I especially like that you have little Sophia corners around your home and that your son, Sophia’s brother, talks of her and brings things home for her. What a good brother! Thank you for writing about your daughter, Elsa.
Christine http://www.dubuhdudesigns.typepad.com
November 1st, 2009 at 11:02 pmYour post is a reminder that we should be honoring and cherishing our children everyday. My heart goes out to you and your family~thank you for introducing us to your darling girl
Leslie M http://snipsandsnailsandpuppydogtails-leslie.blogspot.com
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:53 amWhat a beauty your little Sophia was! Such stunning big brown and happy eyes! I love that you carry her with you everywhere and that folks leave things for her at her grave and that you incorporate them into your altars.
eb http://www.elizabethbunsen.typepad.com
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:59 amwho could ever forget
Sophia’s warm chocolate eyes
flashing with love and joy
to see her radiance
at every turn in your home
is as it should be…
holding you both in my heart
as
today is my Boone’s 14th birthday
knowing so deeply
the love of a parent
much love to all of you
xox - eb.
Carmen http://polvorondelimon.blogspot.com/
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:35 amDear Elsa,
all your altars and precious memories are wonderful. I also have pictures of McNair everywhere and he too travels close to my heart and my mind. It feels nice to have them so close. Thank you for your notes, I think about you often. There are a lot of changes happening in our lives in the near future that have kept me a bit away from the computer, but there are positive lights of hope for Luca and my future. Feel sure that all the people whose lives your daughter touched, will be touched forever and they will never forget her. She lives inside many many people. A big hug to you and your family.
gloria http://glorv1.blogspot.com
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:31 amWhat a warm and touching tribute to your beautiful daughter Sophia with such beautiful eyes. She is alive in you. I thank you for sharing her and telling us about the things she liked. ::hugs:: Thank you again for sharing.
Amy http://iluvretrothings.blogspot.com
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:55 amawww how lovely! She really was an angel
tami http://todreamofstars.typepad.com/perchance_to_dream/
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:13 pmwhat a sweet, moving, tribute to your sweet daughter.
She lives on in your memories. thank you for sharing
Chenoa http://meanderingpearl.blogspot.com
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:37 pmoh those beautiful photos! & special memories everywhere…its too precious!!!
most tender thoughts xo
tinker http://tinkerart.typepad.com/tinker_art/
November 4th, 2009 at 12:20 amElsa, it is so beautiful to see Sophia there, everywhere with her loving family. She is not forgotten - she is remembered around the world - every time I see a sunflower now, I’m reminded of her sparkling eyes and radiant sunshine. Sending you many, many hugs and thoughts of Big Love~xOxO
KarenLR
November 4th, 2009 at 11:34 amYour altars are so, so lovely and I was very moved by your words about Sophia, and your family’s journey. I will keep thoughts of you close to my heart and I will check back here often. xoxoxoKarenLR
The Adventurous Art Teacher
November 4th, 2009 at 9:28 pmI just want to give you big hug. Your alters are beautiful. Always keep your memories alive and are loved ones are always with us.
rochambeau http://rochambeau.typepad.com
November 5th, 2009 at 12:24 amWhat a beautiful soul is Sophia! Your and Mikael’s alters are so beautiful Elsa. You have shared so much of your self with your children. Your gift of love and nature and wonder.
This post makes me weep.
Will be back.
Sending you hugs dear friend.
Big Big Love,
Constance
Christina http://www.soulaperture.blogspot.com
November 8th, 2009 at 3:12 amsophia~ she is so beautiful. and what a strong spirit she has. a precious and strong spirit. i send her love and prayers, from the bottom of my heart.
xoxo
traute http://www.spiritssoap.blogspot.com
November 19th, 2009 at 9:28 pmwhat a beautiful spirit, dear elsa. thank´s for sharing.
much love, traute