Jen Jovan Art Musings and Random Thoughts

Wishbone

7/26/2018

"Wishbone" - mixed media on paper, 15" x 22". Available here and at Artfinder.

There is so much to say but so little movement rationed to each healing day right now. Movement saved for a little painting, clean teeth and a change of clothes. These typed words take nearly today's allotment. But with each new day, a little more movement is deposited into my healing bank. I am grateful.

I have a wishbone. Made of metal and donor tissue, a new structure working hard to assimilate - to become a part of me. It hurts. Like anything foreign. Anything as hard as steel. Or titanium.

On my desk sits a form from the surgical center - "how to thank the donor family." I read it every day, struggling with words. How can you properly thank someone for the gift of a portion of their lost beloved? A piece of them lives on in me - a wish for never-ending health and life. A wish for connection. A wish for love that never leaves us. A wish for a spine that will not crumble.

When words won't serve, there is art.

14 Comments

Carl Stoveland

7/26/2018 08:28:12 am

Integrating the new parts will take time. I think using art to say thank you is a lovely and personal gesture.

jen

7/26/2018 08:30:11 am

Thanks, Carl...I am still processing mentally, and the physical part will be lengthy but needed.

Dotty Seiter link

7/26/2018 09:28:11 am

Jen: your painting is brilliant! it holds clinical science and unfathomable mystery, hard truths and tender connections. I hadn't known that your surgery involved a donor; huge gift.

Love that you've pared your days down to the essentials: paintbrush, toothbrush, clean undies.

7/27/2018 07:41:43 am

Thank you dear Dotty! It is a super simple existence right now, and I am delighting in it. xo

Patricia Raible

7/26/2018 11:19:15 am

This must be difficult for someone with your energy. Life and age has slowed me down quite a lot the last couple of years. I'm looking for endurance not speed.

May your healing be soon.

7/27/2018 07:42:47 am

Patricia! Endurance is my goal as well. I thought this time of healing would be really challenging, but I am, instead, thoroughly enjoying the slow pace. Other than the pain, I could do this for a long time. :)

Carol Edan link

7/26/2018 11:41:20 am

Love your painting. Mysterious, sad, and heartening! Carl really nailed it ."I think using art to say thank you is a lovely and personal gesture."

7/27/2018 07:43:34 am

Carol! Thank you, sweet friend. I wrestled with that form letter for an entire week. And this is what happened. :)

Stan Kurth link

7/26/2018 01:30:52 pm

Godspeed on your road to recovery, Jen.

7/27/2018 07:44:12 am

Stan!!!!! Thank you! Always great to hear from my favorite artist of all time!!!! xo

Wendy Jones

7/31/2018 08:31:08 am

Jen - you are incredible

7/31/2018 08:34:17 am

Wendy! Isn't THAT something everyone wants to hear in the morning? Thank you, dear one. You made my day!

Ela

8/1/2018 02:24:59 pm

Ms. Walls,

This is incredible!!! Hoping for a speedy recovery for you, so that you can go back full time to creating beautiful art such as this.

8/1/2018 02:27:52 pm

Ela! Thank you so much! I appreciate all you do to make this process easier for patients like me. xo

Wishbone

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