Last week I had to go to the hospital twice for testing (again with the respiratory stuff). Monday I headed in for a chest CT. I was very calm about it until the morning of. Then I kinda freaked out (quietly). I was completely stressed about it. Very very worried about the procedure (which included dye via IV), the results, everything. It was a gloomy day, cloudy and wet and even the songs on an old mix cd from my sister seemed sad and melancholy.
Everything went fine, but I was just STRESSED. I was trying to play it cool, but the radiology tech took one look at me and said 'You are okay. I don't want you to worry about this, it's easy.' So apparently I wasn't succeeding.
The procedure wasn't that bad, and when I was finally done I felt a lot better. I headed out to the lobby and saw these black curtains in the corner, blocking something off. When I looked up, I could see what was inside because it was lit from above (and the curtains weren't totally opaque). I saw this:
I was stopped in my tracks. My first thought was 'I know her'. When I realized what I was looking at I backtracked back to the desk and asked about it.
It would be unveiled the next day, so when I came back on Thursday I would be able to see it.
Thursday I was in much better control and much more optimistic. Feeling a little silly about Monday, actually. I listened to the same cd and it seemed cheery. I had also read some inspired words about hope which I needed.
I looked for just a few seconds when I passed by in the lobby, but I needed to check in. This was to be my reward for when I was done.
Good thing I was in a better place emotionally, because these tests were much harder than Monday's. Not. fun. But I would think - just a little more and then I can go see the Pieta and take some photos of it.
And then I was done.
And I couldn't stay very long since I was using a babysitter, but long enough.
I've always wanted to see this in person since studying it in college. It may be a replica, but it's a good one and I'm grateful to have seen it.
I've always been amazed by all the drapery. I can't imagine carving that out of rock.
And Mary's just beautiful.
What a powerful piece.
I didn't get to pick my hospital for these tests. Out of the many in the county I could have been sent to, I was so grateful I was sent to this one.
I think I needed this.
Art is powerful.
(And for locals, it's at St. Marks. I think I might bring my children back to see it.)
