We drove to the end of the land, to a land where we don't belong, yet we are welcomed. To a land where the view is sublime, yet the surroundings sobering. Where the flood robbed him of furniture, but not of spirit.
We entered the home of a genius - no furniture - but consumed in art. Stacks of paintings - boxes, closets, walls...full. Each as wonderful as the first, the last. Each an incredible discovery. Each one a blessing.
And he gave me three paintings...I wanted to pay. I wanted to give him something in return - yet he would accept nothing - saying that at nearly age 90 he had provided for himself, though I am unsure just how. And I worry.
I want to laugh. I want to cry. I want to let the world know that this....this...is why I do what I do.
This is why we all do what we do - and why my colleague Tom is a giant among men, and why we all need to continue...to continue.
And I feel so unworthy. And I feel so desperate to do something.
And I feel so lucky.