In Memory of Mike by anahata.c
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
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(deep sigh)...I've been absent here a long time, but I never thought I'd return to such sad news.
Rod announced (RodS) that his dear friend and art-companion, Faemike55 (Mike Jessett), passed away recently.
Rod also posted a piece to announce Mike's illness--it's a few images back: See it if you haven't---it's a wonderful photo of the two of them with the kind of landscape I'll forever associate with Mike---open, free, gorgeous and blessed. And it's a shot of friendship and bond and of caring and love...I also saw Steve's wonderful tributes (the latest: eekdog, plus his earlier one) from another deeply appreciative friend of Mike's. If I've missed any, see them all.
I didn't know Mike like they did, but he was so kind to me, just so kind. I mean, I post these winding, crazy tales, yet Mike embraced them and me with such kindness and respect and patience. Sometimes he'd say things like "that was the wildest, most all-over-the-place tale I've ever read" (my paraphrase) "and I loved it." He was so kind, I remain so grateful; he was so affirming. And he was like that with my art too. You know how there are certain artists who you 'wait' for--I mean for them to visit your gallery and comment? Because when they do, you know that you've 'made' it? That you succeeded at something you spent so long on, and tore your hair out to make 'good'? Mike's affirmation was that. He made you wanna take a deep breath and say "thank you, friend, thank you.."
And that's what I want to say to Mike (as I said to him in the past)---thank you Mike for your always from-the-heart kindness and sweetness, for your patience and love, and for your always-childlike, wild, fae, magical and fresh art. I mean fresh---it was always new, always a whoosh of light and delight wrapped into a bundle. And you spent your life helping others: What a wonderful gift you were to us all.
Rod posted moving lyrics. I'll add 2 things:.
1) Rod said, "if there is truly a place called 'heaven' he will be welcomed there with open arms." I'll add: If they don't welcome him with open arms, it ain't Heaven. 'Cause Heaven should have a palace waiting for you, Mike, made of light, love and everlasting magic.
And 2), from Shakespeare's Hamlet: When Hamlet passed away, his dear friend said, with tears as he held him in his arms: "Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest..." Mike wasn't just a prince; he was a shining star...
Rest in peace, dear soul, and thank you for all you gave us. It will never end...
Be well, everyone, and thanks as always for your visits, Mark
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Comments (8)
bakapo
A touching and beautiful tribute to a wonderful, much loved, artist. Mike will be remembered with love. The light at the end of your colorful path is perfect.
eekdog
this is one heck of a dynamite capture of the autumn season in your great city Mark and a splendid dedi in dear Mike's name my friend...beautiful it is my friend. thanks for sharing and thinking of him.
PhthaloBlue
Lovely photo and a very touching dedication.
RodS
This is so beautiful, Mark! Both your photo and the wonderful words - and so true - for Mike. Reading those words had ME in tears as well. And that beautiful light at the end of the path in the photo... It's like the portal to another place; a dimension of light, love, beauty and peace where Mike awaits us. Beautiful!
donnena
Beautiful photo, Sweet tribute!
JohnnyM
This is a beautiful dedication image you have here Mark, yet it's sad that another fine artist is no longer with us...may his soul rest in peace in the heaven above!
dochtersions
An amazing photo and tribute, Mark! I was deeply saddened when I learned how seriously ill Mike had become. We had exchanged messages through sitemail, which I truly cherished. Even in the tone and subtle clues of his last uploads, I could already feel that his health was deteriorating, and even then, my heart felt heavy.
When I posted something for his birthday and didn't receive a reply, my worries grew stronger.
Even so, it was still a shock to read from Rod how much Mike had suffered.
Your photo and your words, Mark, I truly wish Mike could have seen them, read them, and felt the admiration while he was still among us.
Your image is breathtaking, not only in its color, but also in its joy. It carries a kind of heavenly joy, with the playful light shining through the beautifully sunlit, orange-colored tree. And of course, the light on the horizon... so symbolic of Mike, who now stands forever in the light.
Mike must now be experiencing a love so deep, so overwhelming, that we as human beings on this Earth can hardly begin to imagine it. He has risen into a place fully immersed in love, embraced by rays of grace and compassion, within an infinite light. A light that shines forever, and always will.
Goodbye, dear Mike. I loved you, and I will carry that love with me in gratitude.
XoxoTree
This is such sad news . Mike was beyond . Your tribute also is beyond all that is good. I need to let this sad news set in. Yet so gratful to know we can be together in other ways. Thank you . Mike I feel you now in this room ,thank you for all your kindness. This tribute states much of who you are as well as who was Mike. Your kindness over shadows the pain , if only for the moment. Thank you