OncoLink - Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania

My youngest sister, Elizabeth, died at age 49 of ocular melanoma on October 6, 1998, in California. Elizabeth loved her garden and gave it her focused attention.

Growing alongside the garden and spilling over onto the garden walk is this Ivy Geranium. I was drawn to the strong pinks and the morning dew. She died in her home and was able to be in her garden until the last few days of her life. When I stayed with her, I awakened before she did to take photographs. That time was for me to focus on the beauty she created and to have time to myself, before attending to her needs and facing the reality of her dying. Pelicans in Flight shows the pelicans flocking to a bird refuge near Elizabeth's home.

Pelicans were her favorite bird. The first bird flying ahead of the other four is symbolic of Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of five, now leading the way.