I am so excited to kick off October with this painting.
The young lady in this photo is the daughter of a friend of mine. I have never met her in person, but I watch her grow up through social media. You see, I met her mom in an online support group for mommies that had suffered through a molar pregnancy about 10 years ago. I will write more about that experience in another post, because that is not the reason for this painting. However, it was because of that experience that I happened to find myself watching this little girl grow up, and oh how precious is she!
I have been lucky enough to get to meet many of these wonderful women in person, but I have especially loved to watch little Elinor grow up. She has Rett’s Syndrome, but she is not her Rett’s Syndrome. She is much more than that. Much like all children, kids born with differences have layers to them that go beyond skin deep. But sometimes, we get to have a first impression and that is it. My hope is that this series will help break down the fear and stigma of talking to kids or their parents. Say hi to a mother that is using all of her creativity and strength to parent each of her children in wonderful ways.
When I was in college and then in graduate school, I worked for a few agencies that served clients that were born different than mainstream young adults. They were diagnosed with either Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, intermittent explosive disorder, bipolar, and even borderline to name a few. Secondary to that diagnosis, the adults I worked with were also born with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and at that time, in the early 2000s in Washington state, there had been a huge push to de-institutionalize these perfectly wonderful people, and integrate them into housing and jobs with some assistance along the way. Not all of the people I worked with lived in the state hospital, but many of them did start there. That was the way of life back then. Parents were told that this was the best thing for their children, and that is probably why our society has this misunderstanding or fear of people with differences. Until Temple Grandin’s mom started to do research and demand better for her child, it was unheard of for a parent to parent their child in their home. That is absurd to me! Kids like Elinor may have different needs, but they are not impossible.
One of the first person with whom I worked that had some type of born-difference was a young man that was wheelchair bound, and had a diagnosis of Cerebral palsy. I got really good at understanding his words, though many people in public struggled- rightfully so- I had weekend shifts with him, and we spent a lot of time together! We got so good at understanding each other that it became strange to me that other people couldn’t understand his words. We would go to restaurants and the waitress would ask me what he wanted to eat. And I would look to him, and then back at the waitress and ask her to ask him. I served as a translator in some capacity, but I enjoyed my time with him so much. He knew what he wanted, and he would tell her. He also got me totally hooked on Howard Stern, because at that time, you could watch him late night on the E! Channel. I would groan, and he would laugh when he had me turn the TV on, but I listen to Howard Stern every day now because of him. I frequently wonder how he is doing, and hope that the people working with him enjoy their time as much as I did. I know not everyone takes the time to get to know him. It is so easy to look the other way, or to just stare in some cases. But, these are people. And all people have an innate desire for connection; so don’t be afraid to say hi, or smile, or be helpful.
When I think about all of the people that just walked past us, or didn’t bother to acknowledge my friend, it made me that much more aware that it was my role to serve the people I was working for. They deserved respect, and I had the opportunity to model that respect for other people when I was working with my clients, or in public interacting with strangers. When I moved over to the other side of the mountains, toward Seattle for graduate school, I took a similar job, but this was in a group home/ assisted living situation. It was a lot harder, because the behavioral struggles were that much harder. But I still loved working there. I carried with me the idea that it was my job to serve, and I was a guest in their home. It makes a world of difference in recognizing the full potential in a human being when you start to recognize that they have the capacity to do good. We had some really rough times in the beginning with some of our folks, but extending grace and courtesy, putting out good intentions into the universe, and meeting them where they were at, vs. trying to get them to do what we wanted, went a long way.
I think that is why I started this series. That as children, we need to embrace these differences, and teach love to the next generation. With Elinor, I have always been drawn to her eyes. She has so much to say, and so much going on. Things that we are not privy to. And that is perfectly okay. To see her family include her on bike rides, or at the library, or on perfectly regular outings is so beautiful to me, because 30 years ago, that was not the norm. She is loved, and she is precious. Her mother, father, and sister would not be the people they are today without her love and presence. So, Elinor may have Rett Syndrome, but she also has lots of love. And piercing eyes. And many thoughts that we will never know. She has her favorite stuffed animals, and she loves food. And she is Beautifully Made.
Isn’t she precious??? I love this painting! It is currently on display at the Irving West Library in Irving Texas. RIGHT BY THE CHECKOUT DESK! I was so excited to see her right where everyone can see her. I caught a glimpse of it there when I dropped it off, so it very well might get moved when the curator decides where she wants everything, so I will check on my paintings soon to see where they landed. I think it is a perfect painting to greet the library patrons, so I hope it stays. I am sure I am biased though!
This painting is the beginning of the newest series of paintings that I will be doing highlighting kids that are beautifully made. And when I am done with the kids series, I will probably do a series on adults that are beautifully made. So if you know someone that might fit in with this series, send me an email at: info@heiditournouxstudios.com. This has been such a fun process for me, I want to keep the momentum going!
For the month of October, since it is Rett Syndrome Awareness month, I will be donating 50% of the proceeds from my print sales of this painting to the International Rett Syndrom Foundation in Elinor’s name. They are working hard to find a cure, and Elinor’s Mom supports and trusts this organization. Spread the word, and send a link to your friends! I will add more print options as the day(s) go on, but check out my shop for your opportunity to order! Or, if you what this print on something other than what might go on your wall, email me at info@heiditournouxstudios.com and I will see what I can do for you! You can learn more about this organization here, or order prints or purchase this piece here!
