The following entries (from beginning runner to half marathon finisher) represents a continuing journey of tremendous grief and sorrow, and of transformation - largely through the therapeutic power of running. The sorrow that has broken my heart open wide has in time allowed me to experience the beauty of being in the present moment. And of course, without the support of family and friends to guide me, I would not have made it this far.

If you have lost someone in your life, I offer these words and verse (some Kristy's, some mine and others) with the hope it may touch your heart and help you heal.
mailto:clarksonart@gmail.com


Wednesday, June 3, 2009

THE PURPLE ORCHID




Hi Karen,

A few days ago Elliot came in the house with an orchid for me; it is unique and different from other orchids I have seen. Elliot said he had been talking to you earlier in the day and somehow, I was brought up in the conversation. But I must backtrack.

Elliot loves Kristy and misses her deeply. A couple of months ago, he showed me a portrait that you had recently painted of Kristy; she is wearing a cape with a collar that stands up and frames her face. It is a beautiful portrait of her. Elliot told me that Kristy didn't like receiving flowers, but once he had found this beautiful purple orchid and had to get it for her.

Anyway, the day he spoke to you he stopped by Trader Joe's for a few things and there, in the store, was the exact same purple orchid he had bought for Kristy...it was a sign, so he bought it for me. It's an unusual orchid, one that I have not seen at the florist. It is such a deep color purple, that at first, it almost looks black.

I've put the orchid in the east window of my bathroom and have thought about Elliot, Kristy and you every day since. As this orchid has blossomed and opened its wings to the sun I suddenly realized that its outstretched collar looks just like the collar you painted on Kristy's portrait! It's amazing, the same feeling I had when I saw the collar you painted on Kristy is the same feeling I have had watching this orchid open up to frame the body of this precious, unique flower. You painted Kristy as the beautiful orchid that she is!

I continue to keep you in prayer....

Jeannie
Elliot's Mom

1 comment:

  1. Mom - I went to Trader Joe's on purpose specifically to buy you an Orchid.

    I don't know how that same one was just there... but it was.

    Thankyou for you

    love
    elliot

    ReplyDelete