Draw a Picture

If you like to draw, a simple pencil-and-paper illustration can do wonders to lower your stress level in chaotic situations.



***

This past Wednesday, I took my mom to the emergency room. Although we did't even wait 10 minutes in the lobby (due to her simptoms), we still had to wait for, I think, about 4 and a half hours before they finally admitted her.

During our long wait time, I didn't quite know what to say. It was the same mom that I see everyday, but I just couldn't seem to find the words or even the subject to speak about (and that's really saying something). To make matters worse, she asked me to write her a poem. I love writing poetry. And it would have been nice if there was one I had already concocted for just such an event that was waiting quietly in brain for its moment to shine. But there wasn't.

I picked up my pencil and began to draw what I saw: my mom as a personicifation mortality and the frailty of human life. There she is on a sheet of paper I'd used to write a list of things to bring for her hospital stay. I was soon lost in the drawing itself, rather than in the horror of what could happen. She liked it. "Looks just like me!" And her cardio-specialist thought it was nice as well.

I can honestly say that it was a source of great relief for both of us.