[If you'd like to learn more about the sculptor I've admired for many years, click here.]
Monday, July 23, 2018
Hospital sculpture
Today I was waiting outside the surgical hospital building of the UCD Medical Plaza. I was to be screened for my 3rd surgery this summer. Don't I look little? Actually I am 5' 11'' and have not lost an ounce since I was a teenager. The cause of my diminutive appearance is the comforting presence beside me.
It was provided by local ceramicist, Ruth Rippon. It made me feel like I was a kid sitting next to my mother nearly 60 years ago, waiting to see the doctor when I had pneumonia --comforting, larger than I, quiet and encouraging. I understood why Ruth Rippon --who I remember from school days-- made her statue, entitled "Waiting", somewhat larger than lifesized. It was for worried old boys like me. Ruth is in her 90s now and I hope she goes on forever.
[If you'd like to learn more about the sculptor I've admired for many years, click here.]
[If you'd like to learn more about the sculptor I've admired for many years, click here.]
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More surgery? Oh Geo. My heart goes out to you and yours. The eldest of my brothers is currently mired in medical mayhem. A scary time.
ReplyDeleteAnd he doesn't have the comfort and reassurance of 'Waiting'. Thank you for the link to more about Ruth.
Thanks, EC. Indeed, waiting is difficult. I delight in mentioning Ruth's work. I also hope your eldest brother will find healing comfort in your support and strength. I have told only one of my sisters about what I'm going through and she has been a great comfort to me. You are too.
DeleteGeo, we wish you healing, comfort and peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteYour kind wishes augment my own, dear Tom. I will do my very best to realize them.
DeleteWishing you well, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tom. I'm obeying doctors' orders and intend to survive this.
DeleteYou are having a rough summer Geo......hopeful healing thoughts headed your way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Delores, all summers are rough. This is just another one. No worries.
DeleteAlong with Ruth Rippon’s sculpture, we all sit quietly besides you hoping for the best outcome, dear Geo. You have become a very special person to us here on Blogger and we care about you.
ReplyDeleteAs you have become very special to me, kind Arleen.
DeleteAm with you as much as I can, friend Geo … that pic is precious … I wish you well … cuz you are precious … Love, cat.
ReplyDeleteThanks, dear Cat. Much appreciated and reciprocated.
DeleteThat was a lovely story. Except for your surgery that is. The sculpture is magnificent and you do look like a little boy snuggling against his mother while waiting to see the doctor.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that's why Ms. Rippon made the figure somewhat larger than life-size.
DeleteHoping all is going well as the summer goes by, Geo. Take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteThat was an interesting link to sculptor Ruth Rippon -- thank you. Besides being a talented artist, she has a lovely and kind face.
Things are going as well as can be expected. One of the hospitals involved used the wrong code billing my insurance and put me $10,000 in the hole, but I hope to get that straightened out in the next year or two. As to Ms. Rippon, I was happy to see her bronze, "Waiting", where I could draw upon the artist's kindness and strength.
DeleteGah! I hope it doesn't take quite that long!
DeleteDon't worry, Jenny, these things happen. I called my insurance providers and they are aware of the problem. However, these things move glacially. Some medical billing systems are still in the Ice Age.
DeleteBeautiful statue! I'm sure many people have found comfort in sitting next to it. Facing surgery is never an easy thing...I'm sending you positive vibes and healing thoughts for a successful surgery and speedy recovery
ReplyDeleteMuch needed and appreciated, Mildred. Thanks!
DeleteBut what were you reading, Geo.?
ReplyDeleteIt's a Kappa book of crossword puzzles. I work them in my head to keep my mind off the appointment I'm waiting for.
DeleteSweet photo. She seems to be a peaceful librarian.
ReplyDeleteI stood next to Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln last week.
She really IS a comforting presence! I delight in interactive sculptures --ones you can pose with. There's one in front of Lincoln's old Springfield (Ill.)law office --Mary is adjusting his tie and lapel, Tad(?)is waving-- by artist Larry Anderson that I'd love to visit.
DeleteThat sculpture is perfect, so calming! Exactly the sort of vibes I am sending you now, and to Norma too. You're both rather special xxx
ReplyDeleteWe both thank you, Lisa. Calm much appreciated just now.
DeleteAll of us old worried guys and gals could use a comforting statue like that. As our daughter puts it, "Adulting is hard." It'd be ideal to bury our faces in our grandmother's bosom, but that statue would be a good substitute.
ReplyDeleteBe well, dear Geo. I'm sorry to hear you have yet another surgery awaiting you. I'm sending lots of positive energy your way and a big ol' kiss on your forehead.
"Adulting IS hard". Wise daughter. We have one too --keeps us in line by remote control from Chicago. Indeed, Ruth's statue has been comforting patients for many years. Kiss on forehead much appreciated too. You help me be brave!
DeleteB.H.: Nachricht erhalten. Liebe, Geo.
ReplyDeleteHow are you doing, Geo? I have been on vacation in your neck of the woods, and I was hoping to see a post from you when I got back.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, dear friend.
Mindful, kind Arleen. I returned from hospital yesterday. Most pleased that you thought of me. I am in recovery mode, happy to be home but not quite ready to post yet. I hope you weren't too put off by the hot weather (and smoky skies) during your western visit. Even SF and Santa Cruz suffered heat!
DeleteWe smelled some smoke when we visited Stanford but were unsure if it was from the fires. The weather in Santa Cruz was the usual cool (cold) in AM and one or two days it got to the high 70s in the afternoon. It was delightful. My daughter lives by the ocean so I m sure that played role in our comfort. Besides, we are having 90+ temps here so anything under that is good.
DeleteI just read your post and answered there. I’d write a poem for you, but I have no talent. You are our poet.
Hi, Geo. - I see from your comment on Joanne's blog that the medical community has been fiddling around with their knives and your neck . . . seriously, I hope all is going as well as can be expected after surgery. Be a good fellow and follow recovery orders so you can get back to yourself again soon, eh? Best wishes, my friend.
ReplyDeleteO_Jenny, I'm doing my best. Norma settles for nothing less and has taken good care of me. I'm being careful not to undo the surgeon's good work --again, yikes! Joanne is a stronger patient than I, but I'm learning. Will know more later this week and yes, I will be a good fellow and try to behave. Your best wishes are received with gratitude and love.
DeleteThe lovely jenny_o beat me to it. I am glad that you are trying to behave, and hope (so much) that you succeed. Best wishes from this side of the pond are also flowing your way.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear EC. I can feel the cooling wishes wafting over my hurts.
Delete