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A few days ago, I received an email from Lou Everett who read my recent newsletter.  Her words touched me so deeply that I decided to do something personal, as an artist.

She said, "Keiko, I got your beautiful newsletter and your message brought tears to my eyes...  I teach nursing students and have been at the ECU College of Nursing in Greenville, NC 40 years.   Your gratitude for what health care professionals are doing during this difficult time touched my heart.  As we, like so many other colleges, immediately responded to put all face-to-face courses online, I found myself focused like my colleagues on the needs of my students."

"My heart aches right now for my students, colleagues, and friends.  I appreciate you and all you’re doing and hopefully become one of your collectors very soon.   Keep up the wonderful work – you are joy and light to the world…  I shall get to task now, answering my students emails and responding to their assignments."

I didn't know Lou before but her words kept me thinking all morning.  Then an idea occurred to me: that is to send her the painting she was interested in purchasing, as a gift.  The pandemic we are experiencing right now is impacting all of us, mostly in a negative way.   The new, harsh reality that has emerged requires us to do many things that we never thought of or planned before.  Many of us are staying home, working from home or looking for a new job, taking care of our family, keeping social distancing, etc.  That is the least we should do.  But I know the real heroes fighting this terrible problem are health care workers and those working on the front line.  Some of my friends are sewing face masks for medical professionals.  It is wonderful #ClapBecauseWeCare is spreading to show appreciation for them.  I was looking for more, perhaps more personal, ways to support them, too.  Lou’s email encouraged me to take action: I cannot do much but if my artwork can cheer her up, why not cheer up more Lou’s?

Lou emailed again: "Keiko, what a beautiful gesture of loving kindness – thank you – that little painting is such a reminder of 'how the world can look so beautiful even in the midst of all the heartache and suffering around the world, and yes, the sun will shine in our hearts again.'  I will cherish it and am so appreciative of your kindness and empathy.  Someone sent me an image of “Rosie, the Registered Nurse” and I found that so uplifting – because more than ever before, the world now knows that the nurse is the one at the bedside who partners with the physician in every way to relieve suffering and promote healing and health.  I wouldn’t have changed my choice of careers for anything in the world and am so thankful to have been able to serve in such a meaningful way…. but always remember that you serve as well, Keiko, your beautiful heart and soul are reflected in each of your renderings that I have seen."

This month I will continue my support efforts by donating one original painting a week to a person working in health care or essential businesses to keep us protected and fed.  I will post a new painting every weekend on my blog as well as on social media Facebook and Instagram for this purpose.  Thank you, Lou and many Lou’s out there for what you do in these tough times.

Painting: "Oceanside Pier," watercolor en plein air, 12" x 9"