Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.
–Samuel Smiles, Self-help, with Illustrations of Character and Conduct (1861)
I learned yesterday of the death of a friend, Stacy, this past week from cancer. I say friend but I didn’t know her well, to be honest. I didn’t know much about her life and only saw her once or twice a year at my openings or talks. When we did get to speak, it was only for few minutes at best. I am sure she probably knew me better than I her, from reading this blog and following my work over the years.
But even so, whenever I encountered her and her husband, Jeff, our eyes always met, and we would exchange a glance that said more than words. It was an acknowledgement by both of knowing one another, that we recognized and understood the common path we briefly shared.
Or maybe not so briefly. Stacy is continuing her journey now and perhaps at one time in the future– or past, however timelines for such journeys work– our paths will intersect once again, and we will then exchange that same knowing glance of recognition.
I have a constant reminder of the friendship that I shared with Stacy and Jeff here in the studio. A few years ago, they sent me the mounted photo of a red tree they had encountered, shown here on the right. They said it reminded them of me and my work. It’s a priceless treasure for me and reminds me of the friendship we share.
I am showing the photo at the top which is from my painting demo in June at the Principle Gallery. It was the last excursion that Stacy and Jeff made in the final weeks of her illness. I was heart-broken to see Stacy’s condition but was deeply touched that despite her struggles, she wanted to be there.
That weekend was a hard one in many ways but seeing her for what I knew would be one last time made it worthwhile, giving that time a much deeper meaning.
Peaceful journeys to you, Stacy. You will be missed.
I believe that is what I will call that painting from the demo– Peaceful Journey.
For this Sunday, here is a song that I have shared a number of times here on such occasions, which takes place quite often on our journey. This is the Harry Nilsson song Don’t Forget Me as performed by Neko Case on Austin City Limits.
For Stacy and Jeff…
Redtree Times 
Thank you so much for this beautiful tribute to Stacy. It means so much
Thinking of you both this morning, Jeff. Much peace to you…
Beautifully said.
Thank you, Lucy.
A moving tribute to your friend, Stacy. I think … perhaps like others, who read your blog and are of a certain age … we tend to acknowledge those in our lives we’ve lost with a kind reverence. (Perhaps as we understand more about mortality). Your additional tribute in calling your painting peaceful journey going forward is also moving. May Stacy’s Jeff find some of that peace knowing her journey is now pain free and that people like you reflect kindness to knowing them both. Nice choice of songs as well.
Thank you, Tamara.