February 2024
My mom is dying.
She's had progressive vascular dementia for about six years now and we've done all we can for her. Recently she was hospitalized again and they told us she's in end of life. Which was kind of shocking because she was walking around and eating out with us just a week before.
So she's been in the hospital hospice care for the past week. And my siblings all came to see her and to help. Which was the first time we'd all been together in 20 or so years. We all finish each others sentences still after all this time.
As I took my shift with mom and as she slept I wanted to make something that reminded me of her. I chose this piece.
My mom was the one who taught us kids about music and art, gave us a love of reading and film, gave us all huge vocabularies, opinionated views, and strict southern manners. I would never dare call anyone after 9pm unless someone is dying! She also gave us her cajun heritage, love of cooking, and a lot of very French customs I had no idea were French until I started writing my historical fiction novel about the Cajuns.
I remember mom setting me down as a toddler in my high chair, giving me some cheerios and having me watch this movie. And I will never forget it.
So this piece,Charlie Chocolate Factory Gene Wilder Caricature, is in honor of my mom Danielle Deik, Who taught me to use my imagination for Good. That's why I don't do negative art pieces. I believe artists have a responsibility to bring good into the world. Not more darkness. That's part of the reason the world is such a mess. Life imitates art. If the art is darkness, then people will imitate it. I refuse to be a part of that. Instead, I go by this verse:
"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8
If you look down in the right corner of this piece you'll see I wrote it's in honor of my mom. Danielle Deik. Thanks, mom, for everything. I love you. I'm glad you're going to be with your parents and grandparents at last. I'm glad everyone was here for you at the end and that we all pitched in and made it as pleasant as possible for you, playing music you loved. I'm glad you're going home to spend your last days in your own Home.
If I didn't have God I wouldn't be able to handle this. But I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
One last thing.
Today, I went out to talk to my brother on the phone. A little later I came back. An orderly was cleaning the room. She said mom asked for me by name ❤️. That made my day.
I appreciate your prayers anyone who is reading this.
This caricature is a testament to my mom.
I hope you enjoy it.
Eventually, I plan on getting prints made. Contact me if you want one.
Kathy Buskett
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Post Script
Mom Passed away in February 2024. She was holding my brother's hand and he said she was at peace. I'm still sad at times - like when I walked into a garden store, saw all the flowers she loved, and burst into tears and had to leave - but I know where my mom is. I know I'll see her again someday. Do you have that same assurance? If not maybe it's time to have a little talk with God and figure some things out. Ask Him to show you the truth. That's much better than anyone else trying to convince you.
Blessings.
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I'm available to draw caricatures for live parties, weddings, trade shows and more. I draw both traditional and digital caricatures for events. I also draw them as commissions.
People often want them for wedding gifts but also as memorials. Those are the most meaningful ones to me and I put my all into them.
To see more of my work check out the rest of my site
contact me at kathybuskett@gmail.com
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