Forever Young
My father is to turn 81 on Tuesday and I have created this charcoal as a present for him. The image is taken from a shot of Dad when he was about 20. He has an amazingly deep heart and still is so young inside. However for much of his life the sensitive man/boy inside has been restricted by his envioronment. It is so hard to be born sensitive and also to be born a man in Australia as sensitivity is not something we are taught to embrace as men. I believe that my father’s emotions and body have been hurt greatly over his life and recently he was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. However to Dad’s credit rather than be hurt again this time he has decided to go deeply inside for his cure. Since being diagnosed he has made an amazing transormation emotionally and his body is responding accordingly. He is not accepting that he has no control and that it is incureable. He has been working to connect himself more to life than he has ever before and in doing this is regaining access to the boy that is so reflected in his eyes. In July when first diagnosed he needed a walking frame and could not move around without a walking stick. Not only is he now walking without stick or frame but has gone back to playing competitive bowls. I have always had faith in my father’s youth and vitality and trust that this drawing will inspire him to keep searching inside for his health and direction in life.
www.leapoffaith.com.au
Forever Young belongs to the following groups:
All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Friends of RedBubble, ImageWriting (2/24), Live, Love, Dream: May you have a Blessed Christmas Season , Melbourne & Victoria, Spiritual Art, The Healing Journey and The Sensual Word
TextureoftheSin
Thank you for sharing your Father’s wonderful and uplifting story with us, Tony! It brings such hope.
Tony Ryan replied
Thanks very much. This is always my intent with my art. Hope you are well.
Trish O'Brien
He is on an amazing journey Tony, obviously with much help from you. As the previous comment said, it brings great hope to people who suffer from what is normally perceived and accepted as ‘the end’, and shows the power of the human spirit over the body. A wonderful tribute to your Dad and testiment to your love for him.
Tony Ryan replied
Thanks Trish. I think so many of us have been conditioned to have low expectations of self and life. My personal belief is that this contributes greatly to illness and depression. However if we concentrate less on society sterotypes and go deep inside of ourselves for direction we discover fulfillment we never dreamed possible.
ltruskett
Wonderful, wonderful story ….............. what an amazing looking man. Those eyes are so soulful. Hope he continues to be well. Good work by you mate. : )
Tony Ryan replied
I agree about the eyes. Dad really has such a deep soul and finally seems to be realising it.
Karen Cougan
Oh Tony he will love it, how awesome that he is curing himself with your help no doubt…......thanks for sharing
xkc
Tony Ryan replied
Thanks Karen, hope you are well.
deahna
what an amazing story…......mind over matter…..............extraordinary!!!!!! may he have many more years of re-discovering himself….
Tony Ryan replied
Thanks Deahna. Agree very much that where our minds gain inspiration from greatly affects our physical reality.
navybrat
a lovely, heartwarming story Tony.
this brings back good ol memories of my deceased dad…
i’m getting a lil bit soppy here…
Great tribute!
Thanks for sharing Tony!
Tony Ryan replied
Think it is wonderful that you have such passion for your father even in passing.
Watertoy
I hope your Dad manages to maximise as much enjoyment as he can, and he is so fortunate to have you as his son, because that where he gets his strength from but he’ll never tell you that. You should both be proud. I’m actually more closer to my Dad (who is 80) since my mother passed away. I sort of feel he is my outer shell. Cheers Tony.
Tony Ryan replied
Thanks Dale. Dad is starting to acknowledge our conversations about emotions. Whilst he has had a hard shell he now seems to be realising that true strength comes when we embrace life without a protective front.
crackedpot
Very heartening to read this Tony, and thrilled that your father is responding so well. It’s a wonderfully powerful image:-)
Tony Ryan replied
Thanks very much for your wishes. Much appreciated.
Matt Bottos
A wonderful & inspiring story Tony! What a wonderful gift. I hope one day that my kids grow up to feel about me as you do with your father.
Tony Ryan replied
Sure your kids already have a deep and eternal bond towards yu.
jomash 14 days ago
This is terrible, ?
Tony Ryan replied 14 days ago
Could you please explain your comment. What is it that you think is terrible?