A Circle of Jewels... by anahata.c
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Description
On this day many years ago, I met one of my greatest teachers, Therese. She was from Russia & she was in the Gulags for trying to free prisoners of Stalin, the Concentration Camps for trying to free people from the Nazis, and she was tortured for names she never gave, and was one of the kindest & most loving souls I ever met. She gave me a book from the Gulags: It was series of meditations she'd written with whatever she could find. She read it to me in English: It was extraordinary. Then she pulled out a drawing: It was a circle with Jewels inside. She said: "I drew these for each person who helped me in the Camps. When I escaped? I added jewels for everyone who's helped me since. Now I give the drawing to you..." I was speechless. It was exquisite. I lost it months later. I avoided her for weeks. When I finally got the nerve to tell her, she hugged me and said: "It's just a drawing: Retain the love, let the paper go..." This is my memory of that drawing. And---as she would've wanted---it's not only for her: It's for all of you who've nursed a lost loved-one: a beloved parent, a spouse, a child, a sibling, a dear friend; even a pet--who can be like a child to us. And to those who are helping someone now, in illness or pain, in loss or transition, and those who are going through it themselves: For the ineffable jewel of love & friendship, a little circle of jewels. And---are you looking, Therese?---it's fitting that it's digital: Because, being made of 'air', it cannot be lost...
Comments (27)
Daidalos
Thanks Mark.
beachzz
Sometimes when you lose something, it's not really lost. it simply finds another place to be. You didn't lose her picture, someone else found it and treasured it; it was meant to be shared. These jewels shimmer and glow, I see emerald and rubies, lapis and gems of great and deep color. Thank you for this gift.
durleybeachbum
An extraordinary story, Mark! Thankyou for telling us about this brave and thoughtful person who means so much to you. This glowing image does her proud, as we say here. It is simply sensational!
bmac62
Temporarily speechless:) What a fine story of true love and devotion for others. This is putting ALL others ahead of self as a way of life. What an example Therese was/is. Your visual art is perfectly matched to the task of illustrating the long lost paper copy. Inspirational!
helanker
OH I wish I could give such beautiful comments as these people abowe. It is such a beautiful story. I am sure you know how lucky you are, to have had such a wonderful friend as Therese. Thank you ever so much Mark. It is so gorgeous to my eyes.
lyron
Fantastic story of a Great woman and splendid image!!!
miashadows
OH WOW those are prescious and very rare jewels.Very beautiful work !
danob
Fabulous work and from the evil of the Gulags we learn much from the artists who survive within the following quotation lies many truths. Alexander Solzhenitsyn wrote "Gradually it was disclosed to me that the line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either, but right through every human heart, and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. Even within hearts overwhlemed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained; and even in the best of all hearts, there remains a small corner of evil."
anaber
So much beauty all around..your feelings into your heart,your soul into your words and your wonderful draw,full of light, embracing all of us with so much love and care.You did something very special and GREAT today,Mark:you did a treasure for soul and gave it. I must tell you something seriously:WHO KNOWS ME,FOR SURE,NEVER WILL FORGET YOU!!.Thank you Mark .And your sister Therese wherever she is..is smilling i´m sure! looking at this.Tank you so much,Mark, again!
magnus073
Mark after reading about this great lady and your experience with her I am left setting here in silence and awe. I can't imagine what sort of hell she went through and to by some miracle make it out the other side and retain her beautiful soul says so much about. Knowing you were given that first gift of the drawing that was lost makes the second gift she gave you of telling you to let the paper go and retain the love even more special.
Meglaurel
we meet people along the way that enrich us; and teach us to learn and not take for granted. Mark as your friend you continue the circle for many of us. You are a jewel as well. Avoiding her was wasted time as she taught you not just by word but more importantly by actions. In turn; you continue the lesson in purest form "the digital image" we can see it yet not touch it but we all very much "get it". Love and light go out to your Therese as she touched all those and protected them and became a part of your spirit which reaches out to each of us. Such beauty in life that this one is thankful for.
auntietk
This is beautiful, my friend. Thank you so much for passing along the story and for creating this wonderous image anew!
MrsRatbag
A glorious memorial, and definitely a jewel. You have such a talent for giving us a glimpse into your vision!
beatoangelico
Fantastic memorial and splendid image...!!!
Minuano
This is Art making at it's most inspired. I've always let the intangibles lead the way before I even touch a pencil. a brush. or my wacom ... To me this is "what makes a tangible image breathe". Mark this image is transcendent and filled with all encompassing understanding; as demonstrated to you by that fine fine human being. Put it one more jewel ... for "yourself". Her gesture went a long way as to include "us" --- the ones you shared this most bittersweet story with. I hug you for this man. -Julian
tennesseecowgirl
Lovely work my friend xo
Miska7
Very nice story and image! Excellent creation!
goodoleboy
A message replete with poignancy. Therese was most magnanimous in forgiving you for losing the drawing. Objectively, it looks a water planet, possibly our own earth, seen behind a diaphanous shroud.
bpclarke
Magnificent creation. Beautiful colors and textures. Superb design.
koosievantutte
fantastic image and colours, mark
mairekas
Fantastic story, colors and work!
faroutsider
This is what art is all about - not just beautiful design and colours, but poignancy and heartfelt sincerity that touches the very essence of being human - connections that resonate everywhere and everywhen...
romanceworks
It is a precious jewel and gift to be treasured in many ways. How wise and wonderful your friend, Therese. CC
mss
Thoughtful story and image. Thank you Mark!
novelist
I love your story. I also needed to read this right now. It's so timely for me for several reasons. Before I even read your words, I saw a fire opal filled with acres of forest, light, mountains, faces, and an all-seeing eye. Well, maybe that's what I needed to see. And that's what I love about your art; we can each reach deep within ourselves to find our own meaning. The colors are glorious! Full of passion and what it means to be alive with hope--even in the face of adversity. Thanks for sharing this.
amota99517
What a fabulous piece. I can relate to this person somehow. I can never figure out why, but I can. That was a horrible time for people. I am glad that she came into your valley of life. This is a wonderful piece and it holds such warmth and depth. Awesome work my friend.
3x3
awesome pice with such great emotion and movement x f!