Journey to Elizabeth's, by Rose Datoc Dall, portrays the virgin Mary journeying with determination to visit her cousin Elizabeth. These women were drawn together and shared a unique burden. Both would mother men destined for greatness; both births were miraculous; both mothers would mourn the loss of their sons. Both women were chosen vessels of the lord. Beautiful wonderful women-- with intense, heavy burdens to carry. Each needed the strength of the other to be able to fulfill their tasks.
I love the peaceful determination depicted on Mary's face. She is walking confidently despite the uncertainty in her life-- would Joseph still marry me? What will my life be like now? No doubt Mary's burden was a substantial one to carry. Yet she walked forward, seeking solace and comfort from one who could understand. She faced her journey and shared it with a friend.
A dear friend gifted me this beautiful piece of artwork for Christmas. She has been a friend and confidant as I have journeyed toward healing. A journey and a friendship that began long before Edmond confided his addiction. This dear friend has loved me and listened to me for years.
She carries a burden too. Hurt and pain that penetrate the soul. That's what I am learning. We all carry unimaginable hurt and grief and process it in our own ways. But the beauty of life is in the journey we share with each other. A journey where we move toward peace, together.
