Love, Our Fortress

Last September my best friend’s house burned to the ground. In an instant everything she and her husband built together was rubble on the ground. There was nothing left but stories. Stories of how she taught her children to walk across now charred rubble, stories of grief and sadness, just stories. Although she and her family escaped without harm they left behind beautiful memories of growth and love. They took that love with them to root in a home built by strangers.

There are no wedding photos, no photos of the children or grandchildren but there are children, grandchildren and a marriage that has endured hardships and heartache. This is a family I both admire and love. They are a pillar to their community and a shining example of how to pick up the pieces and build again.

This chaotic painting is for the Taylor’s who know beyond the shadow of a doubt that when everything else falls to ashes love itself can and will become a fortress.

F. Magdalene Austin