When I was a Freshman in college, I wrote a paper for English 101. The subject was a discussion of the concept of Arts and Sciences. It was an original essay on the practice of dividing the areas of collegiate study in this way; but it arose from my own internal struggle as a college freshman seeking a course of study. I was a creative person who loved art who also
enjoyed the study of science. I was lost in the dilemma this dichotomy created for me. I did the responsible thing, as my 19 year old brain perceived it. I followed a path that led to a professional healthcare career. I graduated in the 1980s and was immediately discontented with my choice and have lived in that frame of mind for decades. There have been occasional outlets for my creative side that have coexisted over these years. In part, I have been encouraged along the way by the individuals who have supported my efforts in their own way.
My first real job brought me to a local hospital that had a corridor which was used as an art gallery for local artists. After a few years, I mustered courage to ask for a display of some paintings I had done, taking that risky leap to expose my artistic bent to my more left-brained coworkers. Few cared. But one particular coworker, Dan, took note and commissioned my first painting. He asked me to paint his young daughter on her horse. I left that particular job a few years later on career-minded expeditions that took me far and wide. But over the decades, at a medical seminar or professional gathering, my path would cross again with Dan. Always, a brief encounter with a cookie or two balancing on a cocktail napkin in the corner of an auditorium or classroom chatting about this or that. But Dan never failed to ask about my painting pursuits. “Are you still painting?”, he would ask. “You should pursue that, you have talent.” Through multiple brief scattered encounters, he never failed to ask. Never, ever failed.
Many years have passed for both of us. I began to work again with Dan in a local hospital last year. He asked again. And commissioned me again. And now Dan is retiring and hopefully, I am not far behind in that transitional phase of life. Dan still has that painting of his young daughter, Mayla, on her horse. Today Dan shares with me iphone images of Mayla with her own small
children now the age of Mayla when a much younger version of myself painted her picture. Now retired, Dan often goes to visit his daughter in Connecticut. He enjoys taking in some fishing trips to some scenic spots along the way.
My painting this month is done in honor of Dan.
A gift for his retirement.
In honor of the one who never ceased to ask.
And in honor of RETIREMENT.
That thing that opens up new roads for us all.
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