Donor Family Network day

On 12th November I've been invited to run a creative writing workshop for the Donor Family Network, working with people whose loved ones have given or recieved organs as a 'gift of life'. As I understand it living with bereavements associated with Organ Donation is complex as a process and I am hoping that Word Weaving will be an affective and therapeutic tool for people.

Word Weave for Sanctuary

Here is a Word Weave created for Sanctuary at Balsall Heath Church Centre. It has been created by the people who meet regularly for 'Sanctuary' time, engaging in creative activities and eating together. The words of this Word Weave were given by the group using a creative activity and the Silver Word Tree. We attached leaf rubbings and stylised leaf shapes to our Word Weave Tree, I then brought them all home My first attempt to write the Word Weave began on my Mum's memory bench at Martineau Gardens, which was significant because we have only just placed it there. I woke up suddenly at 2am in the morning, inspired to write. Over midnight munchies and a cup of tea I wrote this piece of work which will now form part of a creative work for the Sanctuary Space. Sanctuary may use silks and paints to incorporate the Autumn leaf motif. Thanks to Sanctuary for trusting me with this and for the joy of your company. This is the result of all of our offerings.

A Word Weave for Sanctuary

Shattered but not broken

Shattered but not broken
Fractured, frustrated
Like hairline sketches on eggshells we approach the door
An inward glow of hope has carried us here
Brimming from imperceptible injuries it pours out into a breathles pause

Fragments are held together as we move through this door with our fragile lives of finely spun glass held in excited hands
Anticipation opens the door, friendship welcomes us in
We hold our breath together and enter a warm loving heart

We have created Sanctuary in our sharing of friendship and we have been restored.
Enlivened, inspired, exhilarated and happy, filled renewed and replete
With clinking mugs and steaming soup acceptance came to table
Nurtured in creative communion,
Engaged in concentrated silence, we broke bread together in our safe place

We left as clearer pictures, deeper in colour, stronger images of ourselves.