12x12 Framed in natural light blue wood. Acrylic/ Canvas/ Glitter/ Resin/ Glass
I was 17 and pregnant and really scared. I answered an ad in the back of a newspaper for adoption. A few days later they sent a woman out to meet me. A social worker they called her - said she’d handle the paperwork and tell me what to expect.
I went to Pacific Sunwear that afternoon to buy a new shirt to wear to meet her. I had no idea what to expect. After a lot of consideration, I chose a baby yellow t-shirt with a glittery white and pastel rainbow on the front. There was also a unicorn and a glittery seafoam green full moon. It also said Dwals. I was terrified to meet this woman. I hoped if I had a cute shirt she would like me.
She met me at a Dennys. The same Dennys everyone would hang out in for those years of high school. I walked into the place - the smell of grease, burnt toast, and cigarettes as usual. She stood up quickly. She had the most beautiful long, thick, perfectly curled blonde hair I had ever seen. I had no idea what to say so I said “Hi.”
“I’m Bridget. I like your shirt.” She said brightly. I was too afraid to even sit down all the way in the booth. I ordered a sprite and plain toast. After a while I was feeling more comfortable and she said “Please. Please order some actual food. You don’t have to pay for any of it.”
Bridget ordered me almost the whole menu. It was a game we played a lot any time she saw me - how much I would let her feed me. She was excellent at her job. She sincerely cared about me. She was literally the only person I went through my pregnancy within full.
Tomorrow, my daughter will be 20 years old. True love is healing - and she is the brightest and most direct force of healing I have learned in this life. I haven’t spoken to Bridget in twenty years. When I was making this painting and the same rainbow from that t-shirt came out I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
I have tried to find her, I can’t. I want to tell her about how my daughter and my daughter's parents are the best gifts of my life. I want to show her my wedding pictures where my daughter's Dad walks me down the aisle. I want to tell her what a beautiful story we all turned out to be, and how grateful I am. I can't find Bridget anywhere but I see her face and long blonde hair often in strangers.
For now, I’ll just paint the magic.
