Madeleine

This was a challenge to beat all.  I read and reread the description.  Have you ever had a situation about which you formed an opinion that was later disproved? Consider one of your past preconceptions and depict your experience in an art quilt. I was stumped.

One early idea was to play with part of the challenge word, "Conception" and do a cheesecloth ultrasound of my firstborn, whose 29th birthday was yesterday.  I certainly had some preconceptions about what kind of person he would be and about parenthood that were all totally disproved over the years. But it seemed too trite.

So following Lisa-Marie's instructions to the letter, I promptly bought some salted caramel ice cream and was instantly hooked.  (Thanks a lot).  :)  When did I form an opinion that was later disproved? And then I remembered Madeleine.

My first job, at 18, was as a secretary in a high school office.  On the first day, I was introduced to Madeleine, a student guidance counsellor in the Guidance office next door.  She absolutely terrified me.  She spoke in a deep authoritative voice and it was clear she did not suffer fools gladly.  She was smart, efficient, professional and very intimidating.  Over time, I got to recognize the twinkle in her eye and to see she had the biggest heart and would do anything for the students who needed help, and I enjoyed many conversations with her over coffee break.  She helped persuade me that by missing university, I had missed the best time of my life, and with her urging, I applied for and was accepted to Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. Years later, she threw a wedding shower for me with all my former friends and colleagues at the high school.  But I moved far away and wasn't particularly good at keeping in touch - I had a career, then kids - and one day, I moved back to Ottawa and that first September, when I attended the 100th anniversary of my eldest son's school, I stopped in my tracks when I heard a familiar voice across the auditorium.  Yes, it was Madeleine.

We picked up where we left off and the 10 years I had been away dissolved. It was only then that I learned that when I met her in 1971, she was facing the most challenging situation of her life - her husband had become disorganized, forgetful and difficult, and the only diagnosis doctors could come up with was senile dementia, though he was only 55.  What I perceived as a brusque and impatient person was the result of her being embroiled in this horrible situation: seeking information about his condition with scant information available, meeting with doctors and looking for support.  When she had no luck, she established the Ottawa Alzheimer Society, so she could provide assistance and answers to other people in the same situation. "I will never let another woman go through what I did."  Only someone with the fortitude and obstinacy of a Madeleine could have accomplished as much as she did.  I am in awe of her courage and tenacity and I hope I have conveyed some of her strength in this portrait, along with the tremendous love and affection I feel for her.

Today, Madeleine is as strong-willed and feisty as ever.  She celebrated her 100th birthday this year.

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Sculpted cheesecloth on face, hands and hair; painted with Neocolor II wax pastels and Inktense pencils.