S.S. Solitude

This piece, the SS Solitude, is a collection point for a Surviving Spouse to reflect some of the personal and quite moments he or she will be certain to experience. An inset for a candle allows the piece to become a bit more sentimental when appropriate.

The riser, lifts up and presents the M.E. logo in a forward and uplifting gesture, similar to the raised arms, lifting outwards with our palms up, to embrace the Holy Sprit. The inspiration for this piece came to me via an active spirit at the convention in DeKalb, Ill. in July 2003. This convention had a new private program for Widows and Widowers. A woman in my area had recently become widowed and related her experience to our group of couples from New England. John Angotti performed with his musical entourage, and when he performed his song, Rise Up….I felt an inspiration, an internal moment to utilize my own Charism. (A word with a meaning; just learned at this same convention.) This item is the creation from this vision.

I selected Lignum Vitae for the base because of the intriguing grain. It's cross-hatched pattern is like herringbone and no markings are the same. The grain in the growth rings, are intricate patterns that are an amazing natural beauty. In studying the wood detail in the base and looking upward to the yellow interconnecting rings and heart, is inspirational.

The base design is similar to a Naval Vessel. With many ships named, SS, this piece carries the SS initials, prior to the word Solitude. In this instance; the SS is an abbreviation for Surviving Spouse. This piece can be placed on a flat surface or hang from a wall, via the inset slot on the back of the riser.

For Peace, Comfort and Eternal Solitude, Rise Up….

Notes to the Giver/Presenter of this piece

We anticipate that the Active Community will have a sense or desire to obtain the SS Solitude for a member in their community, under the right set of circumstances.

It is not our intent to have one of these pieces go to every widow or widower. Every situation is different.

This piece will not be made available directly to a widow or widower, and we expect that in each situation, the community will be there to offer support in a way that makes the most sense. If this piece helps, then the Charism inside each of us shall prevail.

Past memorial presentations we have witnessed, have been the most emotional of times that can be experienced. This is a feeling that thrives within the souls of Marriage Encounter couples and their communities.

It is expected that this piece will be presented to the Surviving Spouse in a quiet private setting where the love of the Community will be present.

In our limited experience with Memorials and Surviving Spouses, the Marriage Encounter Community is the very best place to be when support is needed most.