Sunday, January 18, 2015

Birthday Girl

This is Sonja again. I don't know that I can do this story justice, but it is one that I really want those who love Alisa to know about, to share a bit of joy she had today on her birthday.

When Alisa's cancer was in her brain a few years ago, Alisa posed for a portrait for James Christensen, her favorite artist. He knew of her story through his daughter-in-law, Jennie, one of Alisa's dearest friends.

Since then, she has waited with anticipation to see the painting. Jennie had seen glimpses of the progress, but Alisa had no idea what it would look like.

This week, James finished the painting and Jennie was able to present it to her for her birthday. Jenny showed her the unglazed painting on Wednesday at the hospital, and then today, for her birthday, Alisa got the framed painting to keep. 

She was completely overwhelmed by the gift. Since Wednesday, Jennie's visit with the painting is really the only event in the hospital she remembers consistently. When we come to visit, she asks if we have seen it. She just loves and it you can see why.

Today for her birthday, we broke the visiting rules and marched into the ICU with all 8 of her siblings , our parents, and Alisa's three boys. We had balloons, flowers, gifts, and her nurses had brought her a cake. We told her we were coming, but the big surprise was the painting. She was overcome with emotion, really. As Josh read the artist's description, we teared up.

"The square represents Earth, it is mortality with edges, it has boundaries. (A circle is eternity).

She is partially in the square an partially out.  Her body inside the square represents mortality, outside the square represents eternity.

The jewels represent her boys birthstones."

I can't totally put myself in her place, but I know my sister well enough to understand just how much this means to her. First of all, that someone would spend the time to create such a beautiful thing for her is just incredible. And that the painting so beautifully portrays her, with her long hair and free from the lymphedema and scars of cancer. Also, the significance of the jewels representing her greatest treasure, her children. Alisa has an incredible eye for beauty and I think this painting has captured her beauty in a way that goes beyond just a physical likeness, there is something of her beautiful spirit as well.

So thank you, Mr. Christensen, for a making Alisa's day. This is a work of art that will be treasured by Alisa and all of us who love her.

-Sonja


The big reveal.  My hands!  My youth!  My hair!  Painted by a maser.  I'll have to write more of what this means to me, but check out some of his work here










26 comments:

  1. That is an amazing treasure for an amazing wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend. I love it!

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  2. I love you Alisa! The painting is beautiful and Jon loved being with you.

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  3. This is beautiful and so deeply meaningful. We've never met, but know that I am pulling for you and thinking of your family. Happy Birthday, Alisa.

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  4. The painting is almost as pretty as you in real life.

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  5. So beautiful. I'm glad you were all able to be with her on her birthday.

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  6. I love the painting. Alisa is captured so beautifully! Love the symbolism too. I'm glad she had a bright spot on the birthday and that family got to visit! Happy birthday Alisa!

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  7. James Christensen is truly a master! This painting is extraordinary. I love it. Happy Birthday, Alisa! You deserve this treasure & all the blessings of our Heavenly Father. Keep fighting. You are loved & prayed for!

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  8. Happy Birthday Alisa! You are a wonderful example of never giving up! We think of you all the time and you are always in our prayers. What a beautiful picture to treasure. Love to you, Josh and the boys.

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  9. what a gorgeous painting!!! that is gorgeous!!!! happy birthday and still praying for you!!

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  10. Such a beautiful and special gift. Alisa you continue to touch the lives of so many through your unwavering faith. Sending much love and continued prayers from our ward. Happy Birthday :)

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  11. Beautiful. The picture is everything that Alisa is - makes me cry. What a treasure. So glad there was some joy on your birthday, Lis.

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  13. This is so beautiful! The painting, the surprise, Alisa, everything. I seriously am moved to tears with every post these days. My heart is overflowing with love, admiration, and absolute hope for this beautiful family. Alisa, I just love you. Praying for you always. So very glad your birthday was so special. You're a remarkable woman!

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  14. What a treasure for the whole family! Please send Alisa my love and prayers. Although I have not seen or spoken to her in years, I have been following her journey and am in awe of her strength and faith. She has inspired me to love and be more present in my own life! Please let her know that she, Josh and the boys are in our family's prayers. - Muranda (Warner) Barker

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  15. This is so beautiful, and so perfect in every way.........

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  16. Thank you for this beautiful post, Sonja. What an amazing treasure she has received! So glad you could all be together for her birthday! We love the painting & continue to pray for miracles!

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  17. So sad to hear that you have been suffering Alisa. Sending my thoughts and prayers. What a stunning painting. Love, Julia W.

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  18. What a beautiful gift! Glad she got to see her family on her birthday! Continued prayers for Alisa!

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  19. What an incredible gift for an incredible woman. I'm so saddened to hear about all the pain Alisa has been in. I will never stop hoping and praying for her and her amazing family. Hoping for some good news soon...if anyone can do this, it's Alisa.

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  20. What a beautiful post, such an incredible painting of an incredible woman. So glad you were all able to break the rules and join together- best gift ever. Prayers never stop.

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  21. This is very touching, and I feel privileged that you have shared this moment with us. Thank you. Love you Alisa!
    -Eric & Emily

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  22. that is beautiful.... just like Alisa! LOVE YOU and happy bday!

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  23. What a beautiful painting and a priceless gift! Happy Birthday my friend!

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  24. An amazing gift for an amazing girl! So beautiful! Happy Birthday!

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  25. The painting captures your spirit so perfectly my friend. I have tears streaming down my face reading this post. Love everything about this. What a gift!

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