Up Up and Away, A Story of Hope and Healing

Purpose and meaning, encouragement and empowerment I give to you. You are struggling and hurting. Come in for a while and rest. My place is a healing place. I work with all hurts and habits. You are welcome to stay a while. May I get you something to eat and drink? May I hear your story? I may be able to help. I am here for you. I painted those balloons for everyone to see. I hid words of love and kindness throughout. See this one here? You are Loved. See the balloons? They are floating free and going up. Up is a good place to go. May we talk about your happy feelings? I want you to know, I am here for you right now. Sit a while and relax.

Peggy Wiley and her crew in Palm Springs encouraged me to paint them a picture of this free floating experience. I believe Peggy might of wanted to go in one of them. The idea was brilliant. They float free and are always above and going up. She was wonderful to me and I will always be grateful for the experience.

Lucy Schwartz
Lucy is a Peer Recovery Specialist at RI International and has spread her mural magic in RI International crisis facilities across the United States.