Special Friends

My friend, H, drove out from Orange County to celebrate my 40th birthday. She and I have walked side-by-side through decades of growth. We have both faced the darkness alone and together. We have both cheered and listened in ways most friends cannot. She is a therapist, I’m a writer but we are equals in our pilgrimage.

My husband took the picture that served as the reference photo for this painting. We are standing looking out at the sunset over the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I am most proud of how soft and gentle the sunset and reflection are next to the darkening trees and bridge.

Healing often feels just like this, standing on a bridge between two places, taking a moment to thank God for the mentors and friends along the way.