I went with my husband to a routine medical appointment and instead of sitting in the waiting room I wondered around outside. I came across this lovely garden area and was immediately intrigued by the decorated wall.
I was curious and decided to take a closer look; and of course, take some photos to share with you. I think the display speaks for itself, so browse and enjoy.
Celebration of Life Mural
June 1995-June 1997
The mural was created to honor those surviving the disease of cancer.
The mural’s tiles are inscribed by cancer survivors and represent the continuous flow of life.
Why a butterfly on a thistle?
Invasive thistles are noxious to livestock or other plants, but native species are harmless and even helpful to the environment.
Blooms on thistles attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Thistles host hungry caterpillars of painted lady butterflies, provide seeds as food for sparrows and finches, and attract insects that other animals feed on.
Native thistles are a largely misunderstood and wrongly maligned group of wildflowers. Many species of bees, butterflies and other wildlife rely heavily on native thistle flowers… monarch butterflies visit native thistle flowers more than any other wildflowers in some regions during their migration back to Mexico.
Despite the significance of native thistles to our ecosystems, these plants are often targeted for eradication along with the more widely recognized invasive thistles. Many native thistles are now threatened with some species at risk of extinction.
Xerces.org
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
“Expect a miracle”
“Love isn’t Love until you give it away.”
Celebration of Life
The butterfly and thistle sculpture is made possible through the generosity of the “Just Say Ho” Clown Alley.
Photographed by Dr. Aletha at the Troy and Dollie Smith Cancer Center, Integris Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“God is Good.”
“We don’t choose how we die but we do choose how we live.”
exploring the HEART of health through art
I’m honored you joined me to celebrate these cancer survivors’ lives and thankful for their willingness to share their journey with us.
Take time to enjoy the sunshine and don’t forget to smile.
Butterflies symbolize a deep and powerful representation of life. They are beautiful and have mystery, symbolism, and meaning and are a metaphor representing spiritual rebirth, transformation, change, hope, and life.
The magnificent yet short life of butterflies represents the process of spiritual transformation and serves to remind us that life is short.
Gardens with Wings
Book recommendation
If you or someone you know is facing a cancer diagnosis, this book may help. Here is my review.
How families can face cancer with confidence and hope-a book review
John Leifer and Dr. Lori Leifer, a radiation oncologist, co-authored a book, “After You Hear It’s Cancer,” to guide patients through the cancer journey. Drawing from their personal experience, they address diagnosis, treatment, and life after treatment. The book offers practical advice, encourages asking questions, and provides a list of helpful resources, making it valuable…
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Dr. Aletha
watercress words by Dr Aletha 
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