Since most of the people who read my blog are family or GR natives most of you already know about a month and a half ago my dad was diagnosed with cancer. He is doing IL - 2 treatments for the cancer and they are pretty tough on him. My dad is a strong cowboy though and doesn't complain even though the treatments are extremely difficult.
I was able to go spend some time at home with my parents earlier this week. I had a wonderful visit but I must say it is really hard to see such a tough guy just laying on the couch not hardly feeling like getting up and moving around.
My mom called today to tell me an amazing story - she started off by asking if I remembered one of our town pharmacists named Howard. I remember him well, he worked at City Market and was always friendly and talked to my mom and us kids. When I was little City Market closed and I really don't remember seeing him much since then. My mom said that this morning she went to get her haircut. The lady that cuts my mom's hair is named Pam and is our neighbor. Anyway, at some point the pharmacist Howard came into the salon. He told my mom that he had something to give her.
It turns out one of Howard's hobbies is he makes wooden bowls. He was approached by an artist from GR and asked if he would make some bowls for the artist's wife. In exchange for the bowls he would be able to pick a piece of artwork. Howard went to the studio to pick his artwork and came upon an oil painting portrait of my father. About three years ago the artist asked my dad to be a model for some cowboy artwork he was doing. I have seen the paintings he did of my dad and they are wonderful - he is a very talented artist. Anyway, Howard then told my mom that he saw the painting and knew it was a painting of my dad. He chose that painting in exchange for his bowls. He also told her something along the lines of he felt no one else should have this painting. So he brought the painting to the hair salon to give to her as a gift. He had spoken with my neighbor Pam earlier in the week and knew my mom would be in for a hair appointment this morning. There were tears all around as he handed my mom the beautiful painting of my dad.
As some of you may know paintings are not inexpensive. Truth be told my parents do just fine and could afford the painting - the act of love that accompanied the painting is beyond belief to me. Yes, we know the pharmacist - we saw him in City Market and would chat while our prescriptions were being filled. Is he a close family friend? No. I am moved by the heart of this kind man. I can't imagine the hours he must have spent making those bowls - and in the end gave away his payment.
To me this story is amazing. However, more amazing is the fact that Howard is not the only person who has reached out to my parents in their time of need. After my dad's original surgery 4 different people showed up to my parents house unannounced bringing them dinner. One of my parents neighbors who has had her own health problems has brought in numerous meals and called to check on my parents - her husband has shoveled my parents driveway after the snow. Another neighbor has brought in the trash cans weekly after the garbage truck has come and gone. My mom's eyes fill with tears when she talks about the members of their ward who have called and checked on my parents. People have dropped off goodies, sent text messages and cards. I have an aunt who my mom said has called and dropped in with treats for my dad several times a week. I had help getting to and from Green River for my visit with my parents, and help from people who were willing to watch my kids. And the list goes on and on and on . . .
A great many thanks from the Owens clan to all who have reached out and supported us as my dad fights this battle. I guess it is a good thing he is a rough and tough cowboy!
The picture from this post is from the website of Micheal Parker. It is the picture that Howard gave to my parents. You can find more pictures at http://www.michaelsparker.com/paintings.htm
