Digital Therapy: Art as a means of Healing

     My father was a frustrated artist.  He was a creative talent.  As a young man he loved to draw, sketch and paint.  I believe art was a part of his soul.  A creative path could have definitely been in his future.  But life came along and he took on the responsibilities of family.  Raising four children and at times, holding down as many as four jobs at once, left little time for creative pursuits.  It wasn't until he was nearing retirement that he was able to take up his art again.

     My creative spark was writing or at least the thought that I could become a screenwriter.  It drove me to a near thirty year career in television for which I will always be grateful.  When that career ended suddenly I found myself lost and wondering what next?  Luckily, a few weeks after my sudden career change, my family and I, on a planned vacation, found ourselves in the home of my dear, dear friend, Laurel Bachmann.  I had known Laurel since high school and became close friends while working together at Parks Canada.  She became a valued spiritual leader and sounding board.  While visiting Laurel and her family on Salt Spring Island, B.C., she took it upon herself to continue my spiritual journey.  She did this while being treated for cancer.  She always amazed me.  One quiet afternoon she gave me a psychic reading.  She told me that I would begin to draw as a means of expressing myself.  Having watch my Dad paint I had always wanted to be able to create that way but I couldn't even draw a straight line.  I put the suggestion away and we continued on our vacation.  A few months later I thought of what Laurel had told me and I picked up my first brush.  It has become an important part of my life.  It calms and invigorates at the same time.  I thank God, Laurel and my Dad for this wonderful new spark. 

     Both my father and my friend are gone now but they are a part of me and my art.   I miss them both very much.   Whether anything comes of this or not, I know that I have something that is mine and that will not disappear from my life suddenly.  I hope that my television/film career is just taking a well needed rest.  But if not, I know I will be alright.  Thank you to all who are a part of my life and who continue to be there for me.  Thank you.