We don't have to be alone

Once again I am overwhelmed at how talented some people are. We spent Saturday at a woodcarvers show, aptly named Artistry in Wood. Sadly, this is the last year this exhibition is scheduled. 

There seemed to be more realistic carvings than usual. In most years, the caricatures outweighed the ones that were so perfect they could have been made by Michelangelo  himself. Not this year. This year featured at least a dozen artists who could reproduce the human face or form with the accuracy of a photograph. 

The show wasn’t limited to wood carvings. There were exquisitely turned bowls, vases and saucers. There was a smattering of furniture. There were chip carved boxes. There were miniature carousel horses that were perfect in every way. 

At the entrance we were captivated by a replica of the Wright Brothers airplane. That exhibit made me want to be a kid again because they had rigged up something that a person could lie on while operating controls hooked up to a computer screen. This allowed the person to experience the feeling of flying the early aeroplane.

Our friends, Barb and George, told us that down one of the aisles someone had created a wooden horse. People were encouraged to sit on the horse while its creator pulled it around amused visitors. I’m not sure how we missed that one.

Some of the more intricate exhibits were not to be touched. Others encouraged people to pick up whatever they wanted to. The one thing in common was that all of the artists loved to talk as much as they enjoyed creating. 

They would willingly tell you what kind of wood was used and where it was found. Ideas, methods, and inspiration were available for the asking. Tools, patterns, cutouts, roughouts, (similar to cutouts but in 3D), and almost anything remotely connected to working with wood lined the back wall. That area held a draw as powerful as the ancient Sirens. Instead of luring sailors to their death, the tables laden with merchandise compelled shoppers to stop and add to their supply of projects yet to be begun.

Barb and George had to leave early as they had a chili cook-off to win for the third year in a row. Plus, Barb’s brother was in the hospital. From what she had told us earlier, he is in serious condition and may or may not ever go home. He had come to the exhibit with Barb and George last year and seemed to enjoy himself. I thought maybe he might come with them this year. I never expected him to be so ill. From what Barb told us, she was as surprised as we were to realize he was as sick as he was. So that is one more name to add to our prayer list.

It was a beautiful, if chilly, day. By the time we left there were a lot more parking spaces than there were when we arrived. We had a leisurely drive home. 

After we had settled in at home, our daughter called. She told me that Jacob had cried himself to sleep again. The growth may have been removed from his brain but his hormone levels aren’t all back to normal. He is terrified that he is dying. It is too much for a 10-year-old to handle. 

I want to make him a talisman, an amulet, a rabbit’s foot or something that he can stick in a pocket that will remind him that he is not alone. It should be something small and easily concealed. It should be like a feather in the story of Dumbo, a little bit of faith that everything will work out. 

The Artistry in Wood show was a prime example of how talented a person can be. Barb’s concern for her brother was a reminder that we don’t have to live life alone. Jacob is an example of a little kid who is trying his best to deal with something no child should.

We all have problems. We cannot look into the future and know that everything will turn out right. All we can do is be there when we can and pray when we can’t.