This past Friday night was Gallery East’s reception and I was one of the featured artists.  Besides my paintings; I also had the hand-woven baskets that I make and my books.  The turn out was great and I even sold some of my books and one of my paintings.  I enjoyed the reception and later after the show was over; I had dinner at Riccardo’s restaurant with my husband, son & his girlfriend, her friends, and my husband’s friend along with his family.  A big group.  We ate, laughed and even performed a little impromptu karaoke with clapping and almost dancing; enlivening and entertaining the whole restaurant.  A life affirming happening.

Earlier that day, I found out that my dad had called hospice.  His pain has become such that he is at that point.  Not the point where he’s ready to give up or admit he’s at that point…but rather wanting and needing relief from the constant pain that won’t let up and the previous meds no longer work.  The word Hospice feels like a death sentence….and even though the people who are involved I see as God’s angels; the whole idea of what they represent brings tears to my eyes even as I write this now.  They are here to help my father transition from here to there.

Last year my dad shared the ‘limelight’ with me at the Gallery Reception.  His paintings sat right alongside of mine.  I felt so proud to have him there with me.  Both of us, primarily self taught artists being given a chance to share our work amongst those who have so much more experience and teaching than we do.  But we were accepted and our work valued, especially my dad’s which made my heart sing.  He usually doesn’t seek outside of the family’s approval of his work…so it was great for me to see him get all those accolades.

This year he was too sick to join me.  But he was with me in spirit.  So while I was meeting and greeting people at the Gallery; my father was meeting and greeting the people who will be his steadfast in the days to come in this part of his journey.

I know what Hospice means…but I’m not sure that they’re ready for the life force of my dad….Mom told me that everyone that comes in, gets a tour of their home to see each of his pictures and lots of animated stories of his life.

Go Dad………..I love you