29 - COMPASSION

COMPASSION

15 ¾ x 21 ½ inches

(View of Christina’s home and farm)

Christina’s worn home in Maine still stands, serving as a reminder of her life and how bravely she coped with a crippling degeneration of her arms and legs that made movement a tremendous impediment. Hay bales now replace the figure of Christina that Andrew Wyeth painted in Christina’s World as she struggled to crawl up this hill to get back home. Andrew captured the essence of Christina’s physical barriers in many of his paintings of her. Memories of Christina’s determination to remain independent remain poignant, in part, because many of Andrew’s paintings captured her strong will. Like Andrew, Dad would have discreetly helped Christina with her challenges while preserving her self-respect—both men were vigilant about keeping a remote watchful eye over rural neighbors that endured hardships, but still wanted to remain autonomous. 

Dad and Andrew’s compassionate hearts remain an inspiration.