Jayla Jones
supported by her aunt and sisters
Jacylynn Jones, Layla Whipple & Malea Whipple
Jayla’s mother Josalyn Jones died unexpectedly in 2020 from COVID-19. She was 43 years old. Jayla, the oldest of her three sisters is now working to keep her sisters bonded as they adjust to a new life living with their Aunt Jacy. She joined this project in an effort to honor the memory of Josalyn and acknowledge her grief.
Grief is like water…. it flows….
Grief is like water, its always present even though it flows and moves around in many directions.
Losing my Mom caused a puddle of tears that never goes away, but I never show it. I begin to create my own lake with the grief I keep inside. The tears that flow in my heart keeping me from escaping this infinite amount of cold water.
Some people tell you healing is easy when you lose a loved one, but what they don’t understand is that the pain of losing a Mother never leaves. The pain will always be there. You only get one mom.
Even though I don’t show the tears or pain often, the hurt of my Mothers death lives with me everyday.
Even though my Aunt looks almost identical to my Mother, they are two different individuals. I am happy to have had a wonderful Mother and to have a Auntie that is loving and takes care of My Siblings and I now.
I’m okay with living with this puddle of grief, as long as I know my Mother is always in my memories.
photographed by Lee Elee Vue / concept & writing by Jayla Jones
these Unending Tears
When I think about my mom it makes me sad and I cry, and when running my fingers through the cold water it reminds me of my grief . . . . Two things I deeply dislike. This pain that surrounds me came with her loss, and leaves me cold and alone in this pool of unending tears.
photographed by Lee Elee Vue / concept & writing by Jayla Jones
Dear Mom
I will love you forever. And forever you will be the most wonderful mother. You mean everything to me. A mother’s heart is a song that puts rhythm into your soul. Mom I will protect you from hurt and pain as you look over us and guide us through this river of grief. Because you have done the same for me. All I want is for you to be happy knowing that we will be okay. Thank you.
ThESE Unending Tears
The Rain Watcher Project is supported in part by Capitol Region Watershed District , the FR Bigelow Foundation, the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Support Fund, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Flexible Support Fund, the Minnesota State Arts Board American Rescue Plan Award.