We celebrate a birthday this week. Some worry that birthdays symbolize the passage of time in a negative way, as leading one step closer to the great unknown. But for others, having another birthday is a badge of courage, a symbol of resilience, of triumph over the challenges that life can bring. And that is the case this week.
We could celebrate two numbers. The first acknowledges the total amount of time on this earth. We won't say exactly which number it is, but lets just say that when we were younger, we used to think that it was a big number. As you get closer to it, it doesn't seem that old. Or perhaps, definitions of what constitutes "old" have changed pretty considerably in our minds (and really, socially and culturally, as well) over time. This first image is symbolic of that number: One of Frank's favorite views of his Bavarian mountains.
But then there is the second number. It is smaller. Actually, it is only 18. But in some respects, this is the more important number. Because it represents 18 years of triumph over illness that was completely unexpected and stunning. Eighteen years of being reminded that one must seize the day, every day. Eighteen years of gratitude for the skill and grace and kindness of a collection of medical providers who were life-saving.
The image below is a new favorite of Frank's and it is titled, "Eventually, Calm with Prevail, III." It is the last of a series of three images that show storm clouds brewing and eventually shifting into calm. Perhaps the series provides a metaphor for the process of coping with struggles. We can hope that, eventually, out of the struggle and periods of darkness, calm and light will prevail.
So, this is for Frank. It is to honor him, his strength, his resilience, his creativity and his courage. I have immense respect for the way he has found light and calm and grace out of the storm. And it is to honor his birthdays. Because, just like his images, they both are immensely beautiful.
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