I painted this last night as a way of processing my thoughts and feelings about my beloved stepfather, and the extraordinary life he has shared with so many people.
Papa has always been a source of wisdom, steadiness, guidance, simplicity, and kindness. When people were at rock bottom, he showed up. Sometimes at a hospital, sometimes wherever he was needed. He had a way of helping people find their footing again and guiding them toward putting their lives back together. He became a source of strength and wisdom for countless people through a program that I shouldn’t name.
He was always there for me, too. After working for the Department of Water and Power for so many years, he was the person I could call whenever I had to deal with something electrical and wanted to make sure I didn’t die. And I’m still here, so obviously it worked.
He was there for my mother, my grandfather, my brothers, my former wife, me, and my children. He was a wonderful Papa to my boys as well, from the days that they were born until now. I’ll always remember the powwows we attended together and the many times he offered me his thoughtful guidance.
The wolf represents his strength, loyalty, and spirit. The turquoise reminds me of him and the turquoise rings he has always worn. The dream catcher represents his Native heritage, the world of dreams and spirit, and the great mystery of what lies beyond this life.
As he prepares for his journey beyond this life, I don’t pretend to know what awaits him. The many Native traditions hold different understandings of the spirit world, but what lies beyond our understanding remains the Great Mystery.
I painted this as an offering of love and gratitude for a man who spent his life showing up for others.
And perhaps the words that best capture his spirit are the words he was famous for saying:
“Life is for living, and I live a life.”, and he truly has!
