PETALS OF HOPE
When I was approached in 2022 by Heartland Hospice Board Chair, Angela Sereda, her vision that was shared by her and her board members immediately struck me. Their dream to enhance hospice care in our region was inspiring and I was intrigued to participate. Their goal was to add more palliative care beds and renovate their outdoor garden for a peaceful retreat for residents. In whatever way I could offer my artistic hand, I was on board.
My father was in palliative care nearly twenty-five years ago. Firsthand, my family experienced the care that is needed, and was blessed to have received the care that was given. The difficult reality is likely that other loved ones will need the same loving care in the future.
Angela approached me with the vision to create a piece that would represent the heart of their organization and that the work of art could be used to gift the major donors of the foundation, and the memory—and hope—that it embodies. The story of Arlene Kolosky was shared with me and her journey in May of 2013. Arlene began to advocate for Hospice Palliative Care in Moose Jaw as she herself was facing her end-of-life journey. As I learned more about Arlene, her love of Asiatic Lilies stood out. This was the clear choice for the symbol meant to embody the logo of the organization through art.
Lilies symbolize hope: and it became the story that I wanted to paint. As the painting evolved, I could understand how the organization chose to use a simple white lily that portrays so much meaning for the dream that Arlene had many years ago and how this board continues to commit to making her dream—and their dreams—come true.
