Fay Leach was my friend for almost forever, always a bright and steady light for me.. 

Her recent history was that she put herself into Franklin Woods, a nursing home, so that her care giver daughter Peggy could go back to work. Fay thrived there, made friends with almost everybody and at 92, she began running the gift shop! She kept regular hours, the shelves well stocked, knew everyone’s name and did the adding up math all in her head! 

Recently Fay’s health went and she entered hospice at her nursing home. We spent our last weeks talking about everything and lovingly about flowers and gardens. She recounted her eastern shore spread and the good eating the gardens brought her family. She remembered every detail of Bev’s (her daughter in laws’) gardens in Alabama. She told of her pure joy when sitting and watching the bees visit flower to flower! The colors and scents of the favorite flowers I had been bringing her for years were remembered with big smiles. 

During our visits we began to discuss what she thought might happen after she died.  We both loved the dream/ concept that she could come back- as a healthy strong full of vision angel. She said she'd come and help me in my flower and vegetable garden.
Be still my heart.

After my visits with Fay I’d come home and head to the studio. This painting is called Fay’s Garden and it is my tribute to my friend.