a 94 year old painter inspires

I am always on the lookout for models of health aging… examples of what means to grow old well. Models of healthy aging become increasingly important to pay attention to because more of us are living longer. These models become relevant as more of us are figure out how to age gracefully.

This morning I’m reading the New York Times and there is a lead article on Camen Herrera, a 94 year old artist. The fact that any woman is painting from her wheelchair at that age is already remarkable. What makes this story even more noteworthy. Seems that Ms. Hurrera painted in obscurity her entire life but her gift was only recognized just 5 years ago. For 8 decades she didnt sell one painting. She was compelled by her own desires and ability to paint. And then at her late age… after a lifetime of artistic obscurity Carmen Herrera is discovered by the art world. Now, people are paying substaintial sums for her paintings. Her works are being shown in serious museums throughout the world. Go figure. How amazing is that?

This got me thinking…

How many of us have talents that have never been fully realized? How many of us give up on ourselves too quickly and stop doing what we love to do? How many of us never get the recognition we deserve and then somehow forget our true value? How many of us don’t stick with what Carmen Herara stuck with… her own passion, talent, desire, and innate pleasure in her accomplishments.

Most definitely, Carmen would have gone on painting without this acclaim, so her late life recongition was really  just some very nice icing on her cake. But hers is a lesson for all of us. Persistence, perseverance, finding our personal passion, and gratitude not for what someone decides you are worth, but for finding what innately drives us and having the courage to pursue it no matter what.

I find the story inspiring. A Cuban woman… old and unrecognized, overcoming  lifelong prejudices and challenges to attain amazing heights at such a ripe age.

Her friend quotes a saying in Puerto Rico… “the bus– laguagua–  always comes for those who wait” How profound. how very relevant in an age and culture where speed is valued over most everything except money itself. Carmen’s story is worth remembering as we all move forward in time.