The artist formerly know as Eli

Eli came home from school about a couple weeks ago and said, causal like, "Oh Mom, I didn't say anything earlier because I didn't know what would happen, but I guess my picture was chosen to be in the Winter Carnival art show." Then, with downcast eyes he sidles past me. But he is not so sly that I miss that super pleased smile playing around the corner of his lips. He is trying so hard not to look excited about this. When the invite came to go to the opening of the artshow where the work was to be displayed he shrugged it off. And when the hour came round for us to head out one evening, old Eli was curled up in a chair reading. He asked if we could just please stay home so he could read. But he slogged over to put on his boots and coat. In the car he was extremely non-committal. Even kind of shuffled his way up to the gallery door. But then we walked inside, and there, right inside the door, was a display with his picture. And right in front of his picture is a stranger, leaning in for a closer look at Eli's sweet little details, smiling at the piece. And it was then that the smile cracked out for real on Eli's own face. What a gift, to see something you created up on a wall out there in the world, and better yet, someone paying attention to it- and pleased by it! I asked Eli about some detail up in the corner of his drawing and the stranger turned to Eli. "Are you the artist?" Eli shyly nodded in assent. The person had a few questions for Eli about intent and technique and inspiration. Eli's answers got more assured as he went along and by the time the fabulous stranger walked away Eli was standing tall and not denying us the chance to take his picture. And that quietly proud little glow he had will be with me for a long time. I imagine with him as well. Go Eli.