I've known Jessica for several years as an artist and young woman with epilepsy who also happens to read my blog. Jessica's seizures are extremely debilitating, but she lives her life with power and grace. The other day, Sophie and I received a little package in the mail. I opened up the most beautiful drawing and letters and wanted to share them with you here. So many people bemoan the virtual world, denying its ability to connect people and bemoaning the hours spent away from "real" community. It's been my experience that the internet is a force for good, particularly in the disability world. I might never actually "meet" Jessica in the "real" world, but I am connected most powerfully to her in deep and rich ways and grateful for her generosity and sweet, sweet spirit.
How beautiful. And yes this electric world is as real as any sometimes the most real thing I have.
ReplyDeleteGoosebumps. What a lovely young lady, and how wonderful that you sometimes reap what you sow. Love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteOh...so cool! What a lovely young woman.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. She is an amazing artist and soul.
ReplyDeleteangel, for sure. gracing your world and sophie's.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Yes.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
Marvelous evidence of the many wonders of our ability to communicate in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteThis makes my heart glad.
The electronic/virtual world is merely a newer conduit for connection and what a gift. How much richer my life has become through those I continue to meet. What a lovely young woman whose generous heart shines through her words and her art. Through you I have come to know much more about how the system fails our children. While I find parallels between my son's disabilities and those of Sophie and others about whom you share, I realize my experiences were a day at the beach by comparison (I already knew that). The friends we make here are fully real. We can share our true selves in these places and find our, as a friend says, tribe. As Rebecca said, sometimes the most real thing I have, or certainly an essential part of what is real to me. xo
ReplyDeleteIronically, there's a piece in the current issue of a major fashion and beauty magazine, regarding holiday parties and some helpful tips on how to circulate marijuana at such an event. "Weed is weed," according to the article, and it comes with a few rules of etiquette, evidently. "Weed also makes an amazing gift, but only if the hostess is not your boss."
ReplyDeleteI was slack-jawed. You can get cannabis as a party favor, apparently purchased with your medical marijuana dispensary card often issued for the most dubious of purposes (available in 21 states, mentioned the article's writer) but not as a medication for a sick child to whom it may mean the difference between life and death.
P.S. Elizabeth, the young artist's signature is pretty easy to read, in two spots on the drawing. I didn't know if you wanted to protect her identity there also. Personally, I'd be proud to own one of her works. It is beautiful, and such thoughtful gift for your little mermaid.
That's what art is - a touch deep down in your heart. Beautiful Lady of the Sea.
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