"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.