Today I gave my father this painting. It is of the foothills in California, like the ones that he has climbed since 1957 when he moved to the Golden State. He was a University of Illinois graduate, an engineer off to seek his fortune. And he made California his home.
I have been working with my brother and husband to pack up Dad's house. Tomorrow he will board a plane with my brother and move to Florida to live closer to my brother and his family.
And so, I told my father that I wanted him to take his beloved hill with him to Florida, where hills are hard to come by. When he saw the painting, he cried. Then he held my hand for a very long time.
Sometimes art gets to say "I love you." Today was a day like that.
I have been working with my brother and husband to pack up Dad's house. Tomorrow he will board a plane with my brother and move to Florida to live closer to my brother and his family.
And so, I told my father that I wanted him to take his beloved hill with him to Florida, where hills are hard to come by. When he saw the painting, he cried. Then he held my hand for a very long time.
Sometimes art gets to say "I love you." Today was a day like that.
9 comments:
you made me cry, too. so beautiful, so touching. i know your dad will look at that painting every day and be able to recall every hike over the years.
what a wonderful post! Your Dad is looking good and I feel certain that he will do great in this next chapter of his life. Florida is a wonderful place--and your Dad may very well fall in love with beachcombing. The important thing is that people love him and there is beauty everywhere--in our memories and in our now! I love the painting you gave him. Five stars.
I am in tears as I read your blog what a beautiful moving story. Like your father I love the mountains so this was just the right painting to give him. Wish him well from me
This gift to your father is so much more than your painting of the land he loves. Obviously, I think giving your art, especially a painting of a place close to his heart, is just the right thing. Every time he looks at it, no matter where he is, you'll be there. I'm sure he'll treasure it always.
This is what 'real' art is...honest in touching the inner core and evoking feelings that don't need to be articulated...and what a beautiful family you have..I love the cycle and circle of family--if not for him, you would not be you:-)and we would not have the privilege of responding to your work
I could see in his eyes and smile how much you touched his heart. He appears so much improved from previous photos.
What a wonderful painting gift!
Thanks for your comments and support! Another day of tears, this time mine when I watched Dad and my brother and sister in law drive off. It's all good, but my heart is heavy.
What a sweet sweet story. I love how art has it's own energy and magic sometimes.
The year I was born, 1960, was the year my mother painted her last still life and soon after went back to full time work because of a divorce. Then, in about 1992 I found that painting she did in 1960 in an antique store I just happen to go into in a town where I don't even live and I purchased it for 15.00. Isn't that amazing? It's hanging in my kitchen now and still in the original frame and matting my mom cut herself. Truly a gift.
The best to your dad and family!
What a beautiful gift, story and painting. Your Dad is so lucky to have you as a daughter!
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