The Art of Debra Joy Groesser

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The Promise

Posted on 11/2/2012 4:50:25 PM by Debra Joy Groesser - 11 Comments

The Promise
The Promise

This piece was painted on the shore of Lake Michigan on July 26, 2012, during the Door County Plein Air Festival. It has a very personal story behind it. My father was in hospice care when I reluctantly left for Door County on the Saturday before. I had been helping to care for him for several months since his lung cancer recurred. My father insisted I go. He gave me orders to "paint the best paintings I've ever done" and if something happened while I was gone, not to feel guilty. I arrived in Door County on Sunday night. I received a call from my sister early the next morning. During the night, he took a turn for the worse. Despite his wishes that I stay there and paint,  I turned around and drove back home. He was not very coherent when I walked into his room. When he saw me, he said with perfect clarity "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in Wisconsin painting." I promised him I would go back. That was Monday night. On the afternoon of Wednesday, July 25th, my father entered into his eternal rest. As his memorial service wasn't going to be held until ten days later, the next morning I kept my promise to him and drove back to paint in Door County. This is the first painting I did after arriving. I cannot even describe the emotions I experienced while painting this piece...but all the while I felt my father guiding me, kept hearing his words. As I finished, I called for my husband to come and see what he thought. At that exact moment, the most beautiful double rainbow I've ever seen appeared over Lake Michigan...it looked like the same rainbow our pastor saw the afternoon before, shortly after my father passed away. I was certain it was a sign from my father...I kept my promise and he was pleased. It was such an emotional experience. I believe when we pass on from this earth, that this is not the end. In my faith, we believe that is God's promise and I think I witnessed that first hand on this day. Needless to say, this painting, "The Promise", is and will remain in my family's private collection.

Comments

11 Responses to The Promise

I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. May the good Lord hold him in his loving arms forever. The painting is such a beautiful painting of one of the most beautiful lakes and shore line in the country and how lucky you were to experience a sign (the rainbow) from your father. I also believe that was a sign from your father tto let you know how pleased he is. A forever friend, Sandy Crane

Posted by Sandy Crane · via debragroesser.com · 167 months ago

A beautiful painting and a beautiful memory. God is faithful.

Posted by connie kuhnle · via debragroesser.com · 165 months ago

Thank you very much Connie...yes He is faithful indeed :)

Posted by Debra Joy Groesser · via debragroesser.com · 165 months ago

What a truly inspiring and touching experience! It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your beautiful painting and story.

Posted by Amber Palomares · via debrajoygroesser.com · 161 months ago

Thank you very much Amber...I'm glad both the painting and the story behind it touched your heart.

Posted by Debra Joy Groesser · via debragroesser.com · 161 months ago

Hi Debra:

I came across your site while reading John Pototschnik's blog.

First, your artwork is amazing. What a blessing you have to travel and paint and what skill and talent you have in your painting creations! You truly are blessed.

This post resonated with me. I resigned my job in January 2012, the same time my dad was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. I was there for him during his end of life journey and have been spending my time supporting my mom while she's trying to learn to stand on her own two feet. My dad was a traditional "wear the pants" kind of guy. So not only was grieving tough for her but so was reading a cable bill or phone bill.

My dad convinced me to give up art when I was 18 and to pursue a "real job". I've been an IT Director for most of my life now, although I'm out of work these past 18 months.

I've tried picking up the brushes and studying like crazy, practicing like crazy, hoping it's not too late to make a life out of being a professional painter. But it is so hard gaining any traction at all in terms of sales and marketing.

My life is on the edge of a razor blade and the likely thing is that I'll likely spend the rest of my life back at work...presuming I get a job again.

I will keep on painting and planting the seeds, and putting in sweat and effort to try to make something with this gift God has given me for painting.

Anyways, I just wanted to say how much your post here resonated with my current life. Your post above did so as well. I'd give anything to be a travelling painter, heading to the rugged west, painting, breathing, communing with nature and with God, living more simply.

God bless, Debra. I find your works to be stellar and hope you continue to find success and happiness!

Posted by Robert P. Britton Jr. · via debragroesser.com · 159 months ago

Debra, I came across your website via Door County Plein Air Festival's link. My husband Keary was also a featured artist in 2010. I am exploring other websites looking for ways to make his better. I am very touched by your blog. My sister recently died of cancer and I was able to be with her when she passed. It was an emotional journey before and after her passing. I am now in New Delhi, India on vacation visiting my son who is working here temporarily. God Bless you. You do outstanding works.

Posted by Jane Kautzer · via debragroesser.com · 156 months ago

Robert, I am very touched by your story as well and so glad my post resonated with you. I've had some interruptions in my art career along the way...but even in those times, I've tried to just even do a little sketching here and there, just to keep the creative juices flowing. Just don't give up on your art...even if it doesn't become a career in itself...do it for the love of it. Even if you are working at another "job," you can still paint and create. I have found that by not focusing on the money part and instead focusing on painting the best paintings I can, and painting what I love, that the sales will follow. I wish you all the best...and just keep painting. Many blessings to you...

Jane, thank you so much for your post and your kind words too. I'm so sorry about your sister...what a blessing that you were able to be there with her though. Yes, definitely an emotional journey. Painting has been a wonderful way to express my emotions and deal with my grief. It's very gratifying to know it has touched others, including you. Safe travels and blessings to you too...and thank you again for your kind words :)

Posted by Debra Joy Groesser · via debragroesser.com · 156 months ago

Hi Debra, I enjoyed reading the story behind "The Promise" - how special to be able to paint and feel your father with you! And I absolutely love that a double rainbow appeared! So beautiful and powerful!! Thank you for sharing! Ann

Posted by Ann Watcher · via debrajoygroesser.com · 129 months ago

I loved reading this, Debra. Your father had to be so proud of you, and I believe a part of him is in this painting, and stays with you in your studio. I am so glad you shared this - thank you.

Posted by Claire Beadon Carnell · via debrajoygroesser.com · 129 months ago

Thank you so much Ann and Claire for your kind words...I'm so glad that you enjoyed and were touched by this...I was blessed and grateful to have a wonderful father who was always so supportive of my art career. Blessings to you both!

Posted by Debra Joy Groesser · via debragroesser.com · 129 months ago

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