The Tree at St. Francis

 On Feb 16, the day of 18 inches snowfall, I accompanied my sister to her same day shoulder surgery at St. Francis hospital. It was a scary day to go out much less have a surgery. But we were able to accomplish a lot from the 6 a.m. departure from house to 6 p.m. arrival from hospital. The day was filled with kindness from friends & strangers! From the neighbor who cleared our sidewalk the whole block from Berwyn to Summerdale with his snow blower.The ladies of early morning who shoveled a pathway among thigh high snow so that we could enter the car at Ashland from our house. Our neighbor driver who dug his car early at dawn, took us to hospital, came back to pick us up after surgery, & patiently waited until we pick up our meds & comfort food. The medical personnel who explained the procedure with respect & performed the surgery with competence & compassion. And the list went on.  I waited for my sister during her 3 hour surgery in her hospital room. I took a nap & then sketched the scenery outside the hospital window. The tall sturdy tree dominated the landscape outside. Its graceful & elegant branches, heavy with snow, 

were like angel wings of mercy. The mercy that we gratefully received during the Feb 16, 18 inches of snowfall day! Stay warm & healthy fellow artists!