Her name was Maristela , the wife of one of my dearest friends. We had become very close as a result of their relationship, she was family. Not long after their marriage, she sat me down in her living room and told me of the diagnosis she received from her doctor,it was breast cancer. The news was devastating,but through their collective strength and positive state of being,we were all able to remain hopeful. It was an honor to attend a fundraiser, benefitting Maristela's treatment, featuring her wonderful art, and, in donation to the effort, a number of her close friends works, to be auctioned off. The silent auction took place in the foyer of the main stage of the fine arts building at the College of Marin, a place that I had celebrated a number of opening nights as an actor in their program. The evening had a different feel then those nights, it was so heartfelt, their were flowers and wine and guests with a sense of purpose.The evening was a rousing success and we all left with a great feeling , in awe of their courage. They made the long journey overseas, first to their country home in France,then on to a treatment program.
When they made their way back to California,they found it necessary to continue treatment,Maristela's condition, stable for a number of years had regressed, her strength and courage never deterred. In early 2004 her battle came to an end, she was under the constant care of, and surrounded by an extraordinary husband and their extended family. After a wonderful tribute in her honor near a brook in Mill Valley, once again surrounded by her art and music,I was, over the coarse of the next couple of months, presented by her husband, a lovely portrait of Maristela done in oil, and her easel, built with loving care and craftsmanship by her husband,my great friend . These two possessions will never leave my side.
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