These are seven things left in the wake of a child’s death by gun violence: the last text messages exchanged between siblings; a graduation cap; a library book that’s never been returned; tennis shoes with flashcards tucked inside them for a test that was never taken; encouraging notes for milestones that never came; a child’s First Communion veil worn just weeks before their death; and, finally, a Congressional Medal of Valor awarded to a child for dying while protecting his classmates.  

Illustrations of these seven things are paired with the seven last words of Jesus Christ. Each is surrounded by lace patterns, inspired by shrouds and funeral palls, intimate and handmade objects that are an outpouring of communal love in times of grief. These patterns are an invitation to dwell in prayer. You can see the entire series here: https://www.marybutton.com/#/sevenlastwords/