watercolor 3/2017 8 x 10
I am dedicating this painting to honor the healing flute music of Carlos Nakai. When I was 3 years old a groundbreaking surgery was performed on my left hand and ring finger to remove a bone tumor. The innovative operation was very successful but not much hope was given that I would ever use my ring finger again. I was just so fortunate that the finger was saved. So when I was about 6 years old and I wished to learn to play the flute I was repeatedly discouraged and told that it would be impossible for me to learn because of my stunted and immobile finger. Since I kept pleading to try, a teacher was found and a silver flute supplied. I practiced and practiced and by the time I was 10 I won a music contest playing the flute that everyone said that I would not be able master. In the learning process my finger had become fully mobile so much so that I was able play my instrument with excellence. Still, today I have full mobility of my hand and finger. I do believe that this magical instrument was the mystic healer for my body.
