‘Laura Alexandra Rose’ – a watercolor painting of a beautiful yellow rose with an incredibly touching story
Laura Alexander Rose
Watercolor Rose painting
© Susan Harrison-Tustain
I have a lovely story to share with you all. Some time ago Kevin Milne, the TVNZ presenter of a 'make a wish' television program, contacted me with avery touching story:
Kevin told me of a young family who had lost their two children to a very rare disease (Mac Kinnon's Disease). The mother wanted to commemorate the passing of her dear little girl and wrote to the program to see if a rose could be given her daughter's name.
The beautiful single yellow rose was named Laura Alexandra. What abeautiful name for a rose and what a lovely tribute for this dear little girl.
Kevin had arranged for one of New Zealand's top rose breeders to create a rose especially for Laura. But unfortunately roses were not going to be in bloom at the time the program was to go to air.
So Kevin asked me if I would create a painting of the rose and if I would present the painting to Mrs Mac Kinnon on the show.
Of course it was my pleasure to donate this painting. I was so moved by the story, the family and how everyone at the wish program had got behind the story to make it happen so beautifully.
Unfortunately I was booked to fly to the US the day the program went to air - but TVNZ came to my studio a few weeks earlier to film my message and gift of the painting to Mrs Mac Kinnon.
The watercolor painting and message was a huge surprise for Mrs Mac Kinnon and when I subsequently saw the program and presentation, I had tears running down my face. The presentation and emotion of this was so touching, so fitting and a moment I will never forget.
Here is the Image of my painting: Laura Alexandra Rose
Tags: flower painting, Kevin Milne, Laura Alexander Rose, Make a wish, painting of a rose, rose painting, yellow rose
June 18th, 2010 at 1:44 am
Dear Susan, What a beautiful painting and a very moving story, I know that when you are beginning a new painting project you put in a tremendous amount of time and give a great deal of thought, not just in how to portray what you feel about the subject, but also how to involve the viewer into your thought process when viewing the painting. I can tell that you have gone that extra mile in the for thought that you have given to this beautiful painting, the loss of a child must be unbearable and the pain can only be truly felt by those who have been there, your interpretation of the loss, and also the renewing of life are beautifully captured here in your painting of the Laura Alexandra Rose. Kevin Milne could not have chosen better, when he asked you to paint this picture, he must be a very good judge of people, as you have that rare gift of empathy with a persons pain and loss, this is very evident to anyone who views your work. Thank you Susan for sharing this with us, a lovely gift for Mrs. MacKinnon and family, I am sure they will treasure this painting, and a wonderful experience for you. Kindest regards, Patricia.
June 25th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Thank you Patricia for your humbling response to this story. It truly was my pleasure that I was able to do something that would give the McKinnon family pleasure and help to see the beauty of this special rose. I was honoured to be asked.
Your words are very kind and thoughtful. I don't feel they are deserved when the pleasure really was mine too!
Thank you so much Patricia. (Patricia is my middle name ;0)
Susan