Recently I found myself coloring. Just coloring pictures. And clearing my mind completely as I do so. It all started when I spent time at a DayCare last month. Above is a picture I colored and dedicated in memory of a friend who breathes life despite/embracing her "purple rope". For those who may not know purple ribbons or butterflies represent Lupus. When I was younger I always thought it was a disease that only affected women. Though I have learned otherwise, it seems like I only know women with or having died from Lupus, never men.
In 1999, I was blessed to gain a mentor through a program, that I love and cherish to this day. A second mother, I believed her to be, there were times in my youth she would fall ill due to having Lupus. It wasn't until I got older and saw people die from it and understood what is was/did, did I understand her bravery as a woman. She truly lives life as if it is not guaranteed. She mothered us all who came in her path. And celebrating her 55th birthday in January, she is as alive and vibrant as ever.
Coincidentally (or not), her name is Hope. True to her name, she spreads hope and has hope. I love her and now a little bit older and wiser, I appreciate her. She (Hope Taylor McGriff) has published two books in the 90s (which I just picked up this past weekend): "Overflow" (a book of poems of her life) and "To the Tune of Hope". I encourage you all to look into a copy, if you please.
But to the best of my ability with my crayons, I did this for Hope ...and for all the women (and men) dealing with chronic/non-curable diseases who walk a path of life as if unaffected and unstirred. :-)
♥ Noel
03/17/10
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