For Lynn
Long ago, I studied with a dear Native American lady. She taught me traditional poetries and myths. She was a traditional medicine woman, and she had rattles which her great-great grandmother had made with bits of her own skin inside, so that her children would have a "piece of her life". She was old, spoke in whispers, and taught me the world.
We saw an old woman down the street, and I asked why she never spoke. My teacher said: "She lost her husband. There're no words. But when the heart weeps, the universe says 'I bestow you'. That woman is 'receiving' now: From the universe. And when she speaks again, wisdom will flow. This is how we see life..."
* * *
Many of you know Lynn (
ShadowsNTime). She's a Native American, too. Last month, her son passed away. He was 42. Lynn hadn't heard from him in some time; she didn't know what happened. It's unspeakable to lose one's child, one of the worst of all losses. And while so much more was happening: Another son had succumbed to addiction (she told me I may share this), and was in a very destructive state. She'd just seen him, it was searingly difficult, and then the other son died. She spoke of another child who was taken from her many years ago, who Lynn never got to know. It's what she's seen, what she's been through. We know people, but we suddenly discover things about their lives and we realize: They've seen so many things. Yet they still give love and light.
Go to her gallery, look down the page: Look for pieces called "Life Through Different Eyes". They're her memoirs. They're stark, stunning, and deeply moving, as the comments attest. And for all their searing intensity, they're filled with love. (If you don't see 'my' comments, it's because I read the pieces privately, and wrote emails.) They're so naked and so powerful.
She had some loving elders, and some lost and violent. She saw things in her teens many don't see by their 40's. Those of you who've been in war, lost loved ones early, you can relate. She's weathered a world, and weathered again, and developed a deep, deep heart and love. In recent years, she's pulled away from RR for narcolepsy, kidney problems and other very serious matters. And dealt with the high cost of medical care for those who haven't the means, and being denied help for many reasons including red tape. And she was almost homeless. It's life, it's real, and what so many deal with across our globe. I write this because she's in pain, and battled, and she's such a gift. She's a gift. And I wanted to tell her that.
Because, even in her despairs, she conveys a love like the pieces-of-elders in that rattle. I
saw that rattle, it was doused in the weathers of life---but
god it was beautiful. Lynn is like that rattle. She carries generations in her, and long wisdom. And she's never lost that wisdom or love or beauty. It's deep beauty. I've only known her a while, but I'm grateful for them all.
My image is about that 'weeping heart'...but also, the "4 Corners of the Universe" where, for Native Americans, all wisdom is stored. It's for an extraordinary woman in mourning. Please join me in sending Lynn a huge hug, with wishes that she weather these storms with great dawning peace. And to remind her that her life is a gift, that
she's a gift, and is truly loved. All my love and healing to you, dear Lynn, and while that deep heart in you weeps, it is exquisite. So with love and light and deep comforts, I send my prayer that you move, in the words of a poet, from mourning into morning, and see the great sun again. You've give that sun to so many others, may it give it all back to you. Much love and my deepest condolences, Mark
(please zoom)
(the 'nudity' advisory was a site error)
Comments (12)
MrsRatbag
A stunning veil of tears and emotions; Mark, you are so adept at reading others...beautifully done, very beautiful indeed!
photosynthesis
A melting rainbow of colors & a touching & heartfelt tribute. My thoughts go out to your friend Lynn, wishing her peace...
LivingPixels
A dazzling display of spectacular vision my friend a lovely dedi to a dear friend and incredible artist well done Mark I paid her a visit and she does indeed have a remarkable gallery my friend Thanx!!!
auntietk
Your image conveys the endlessness of grief, of tears, as well as the light that guides and heals. Lynn is such an amazing person. She's had so many hard things in her life, so many losses and sorrows, and yet she is absolutely MADE of love. Thank you for making this for her, and for sharing it with us. And Lynn ... oh my dear ... I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you. I've heard it said that we aren't given more than we can bear, that we are strongest in the broken places, but oh, how I wish they would pick on someone else for a while and leave you alone. Surely you are already as strong as it's possible to be. Surely you have borne your share. My heart is with you, my friend, and even though I can do nothing to diminish your pain, I stand in honor of your love and strength and am sending loads of light and love and healing.
magnus073
Mark, let me say that this dedication to Lynn really hit home with me tonight. She has been through to much in her life and it has always amazed me how she was able to still be so kind and caring when we spoke on the phone. Since the passing of my Father I've not spoken to her and my heart goes out to Lynn tonight at the loss she has suffered and the concerns she must have about the rest of her family. I'll keep her in my prayers and try to contact her soon.
beachzz
A moving, heartwrenching story of a woman who surely doesn't deserve half of what fate has brought her. The very first part of your image reminded me right away of a dream catcher, a native american piece that's said to catch the bad things and let the good flow through. I hope Lynn's dream catcher will do just that and allow her peace and freedom from such loss and pain.
durleybeachbum
I have always felt angry that Lynn has had ten peoples share of misery and pain. And now this. Tara has said most eloquently what we must feel.
Cyve
Amazing and marvelous creation... It's an awesome image my friend !!!
dragonmuse
Gorgeous dream catcher. Perfect dedi.
helanker
Mark this is a really heartbreaking story. It is so unfair, that she must take so much pain in her life. She does not deserve that. Nobody do. What a beautiful Dreamcatcher with the most stunning colors and light running down like a waterfall. It looks fantastic.
anaber
Mark, your words convey the suffering and fights of Lynn throughout her so difficult life, with tremendous intensity and emotion. No one deserves to go through so many situations of profound suffering; It is amazing the strength and wisdom with which she always has exceeded all the struggles and still manages to be grateful to the world that hurt her so much! Moreover, it even seems that she emerges stronger, to confront with the next fight! She is a strong lady! I have read and seen the pictures that you mentioned and I was immensely touched... Her art, speaks beauty, joy, great wisdom of LIFE and share so much love also. It is amazing ! She is very special and yes! a gift for all those who know her. She is worthy of all the love and support in this so difficult time of her life. In fact, there are not enough words of comfort for the loss of a son ... she must be devastated! I wish her all the strength in the world and I send my love and my wishes that SUN shines on her, to warm her heart and to bring help and healing. As for your image, Mark, it is the most wonderful and heartfelt tribute you could do for Lynn! So deep and significant in the concept .. You drew a cascade of Light, Love and healing colors, that reminds me a glowing 'dream-catcher' ... May it shines to cover her of hope and comfort now and always. Thank you for making this image and for sharing it with us. My deepest condolences to Lynn!
romanceworks
I'm so very sorry to hear of Lynn's loss of her son, and another son before, and another child she never knew. Your image, to me, is like a totem, with light at the top (the heavens) and light at the bottom (the beginning, and in between all the colors of life, all blending together in a watercolor river of tears and laughter. It seems a totem of hope, showing there is vibrancy even in the darkness. It takes hope to survive all these loses that take pieces of our heart and spirit away, and still believe in goodness. Your words, your image, are an incredible tribute to Lynn's unbreakable spirit. She gives me faith that even when you feel too many pieces of yourself have been torn away you think there is nothing left of you, hope and healing can still be found, if you are willing to keep living and keep loving. I wish Lynn the strength to bear the pain on her journey of grief and healing, and ultimately peace.