to love and to be loved

   In this painting, the little girl could represent me when I was little. Sometimes I do this in my work. I think it's part of my therapy. We all need some therapy. 
   The little girl is with her older sister (my sister is five years older than me). As a child, I had some sad days. My parents got divorced when I was only four. I missed my father, terribly. Sometimes I would cry in my bed at night. I often could not get to sleep because I was so afraid of the dark. I think that stemmed from loneliness and not feeling secure. There were other things that went on that added to my problems. The thing is, a little child should not have big things on their shoulders like I had. But, everything does shape a person, who they are and who they become. Perhaps it does make us stronger. At age eleven, I felt I had gone through A LOT.
   I think back to those young days and feel the pain, but I also feel the excitement for each new day. You see, that's what life must be, a welcoming to the new day, another chance at something extraordinary. One more day to see someone you love, a tear run down a cheek, the wind going through autumn leaves on the ground, a little boy named Carl who gets to make someone smile or feel good by a painting he created. These are the blessings of life. 
  May you notice each and every little moment and sigh in the realization of the power of love.

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