I was especially interested in World Art Day this year as I was reminiscing about some previous travels and specifically the artists, artisans, and craftsmen I was fortunate to meet along the way.

One of my most indelible memories was making my way through the mountain rice terrace regions of Banaue, Batad, and Sagada in the Philippines with a travel companion. Some town members guided us to a local artist’s home. His wife greeted us at the door and invited us in. Soon after his son and a lively dog with a wagging tail joined us in the room. His wife explained to us her husband was healing from a stroke, couldn’t speak comfortably but would listen, and he could only visit for a while.

I remember him walking in the room and stoically sitting down to sign some photographs that we had chosen to purchase. There seemed to be something very special about him and I enjoyed being in his presence. As we left the family home, I looked back and waived. I was moved and shed some tears and said to my friend, ‘that was very special’, and uttered something about we wouldn’t see him again. Later I found out his name was Eduardo Masferre, and his works had been shown in the Smithsonian.

Some time (maybe months or a year) had gone by and one night I had a dream that I saw him again. Only this time he was walking and talking very freely without any physical constraints and smiling. I remember searching online for him and found that he had passed away. I was happy his spirit was free and then felt peace about my dream. Since that day, whenever I hear of someone crossing over, my memory of that dream comforts me greatly for all of us and how we are connected and our spirit has a place to go.