A RICH LIFE

At the annual parent/teacher conference, when our eldest son was in middle school, to break the ice, a teacher asked about our weekend. We responded rather excitedly that we had taken our three children to see a Jacob Lawrence exhibit in New York City. 

After added discussion, the social studies teacher enthusiastically remarked, "Thank you for leading such a rich life." Her comment was food for thought.

How many students in this nicely manicured suburban township were living an equally "rich life?" If not, why not? Who wouldn’t take their children to visit the nearby New York City world-class cultural centers?  

Posters of Lawrence’s colorful works are in our home and on the walls of my husband’s law office. The acclaimed American artist Jacob Lawrence (September 7, 1917 – June 9, 2000) painted portrayals of African-American life in America that are so universal, when viewing his vivid works, I visualize my immigrant relatives.

In particular, the framed poster of the Lawrence painting ironers hangs in our bedroom. When I look at it, I envision my maternal grandmother. My mother told me that her beloved mother from Darabani, Romania worked to make her way in America by taking in ironing from the neighbors. My mother often remarked that my grandmother's ironing looked as though it came out of a Chinese laundry.

For more on Lawrence, an artistic genius, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Lawrence. When it is safe again, and museums reopen after the threat from the coronavirus pandemic, get out there, "a rich life" is waiting.

Young artist Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000)