Layla whipple
supported by her Aunt and sisters
Jacylynn Jones, Jayla Jones & Malea Whipple
Layla’s mother Josalyn Jones died unexpectedly in 2020 from COVID-19. She was 43 years old. Layla, the middle sister, is now working adjust to a new life living with her Aunt Jacy. She joined this project in an effort to honor the memory of Josalyn and acknowledge her grief.
Water is memories, remembering experiences with the water.
Water has memories, memories I share with loved ones who I spend time with. Water also consists of memories that force you to remember the past; helping you to discover and become aware of things that you didn’t even know existed within your memories.
A time I never expected, when my Mother had a stroke. I was playing video games upstairs with my Dad’s Sister. I remember drinking a bottle of water while teaching my Dad’s Sister the movements to a video game. I was having a fun time, not thinking about anything else, or anyone else.
Now, I have the time and patience to finally think about others, spend time inside my mind and appreciate memories. Looking back now, remembering how people felt, forces through the feeling guilt and remorse.
I used to forget memories, now I try to find them desperately. Desperately searching for a memory that I can remember of my passed Mother. I remember her soaking her feet in the water, taking us to the beach, and pushing us on the swings near the water.
I want to create new memories with water, so my family and my reflections don’t end up with the rough current. With this being done before we pass and forget the good times. I want to create many amazing memories and remember them while remembering others.
To make memories of ourself and of others who you love, to remember them is beautiful and amazing. To not forget your loved ones and to share your memories.
I do remember my Mother, and I love her deeply. Her memories live inside my heart and my brain, making me feel many emotions when the memories come through. But I love and remember my Mother, keeping a beautiful piece of her inside me.
photographed by Lee Elee Vue / writing & concept by Layla Whipple
YOUR REFLECTION
Your reflection looks like you, right? Walks, talks, and acts like you. Looking at my reflection, I see myself, the person I am and who I will be. Looking at my aunt I see my mother looking right at her. Though they aren't the same, they look the same, and seem the same. When I look into the water I know I am blessed with them both.
photographed by Lee Elee Vue / writing & concept by Layla Whipple
THOUGH I do know their differences
Though I do know their differences, their reflections match beautifully, whilst the sun glows, I see the reflection of my mother go, Yet you're still here, dragging us out of the waters of tears, making us welcomed, and helping us feel safe. Though my family is grieving, we still laugh and play to create new memories before our own reflections go away.
The Reflection of My Mother Gone
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.