Sitting in the examining room waiting on the pulmonary specialist, I was re-reading my most recent letter from dear, dear, friend Ashley Bryan.
He was welcoming our #9 grandchild, girl #2! "I know you are all having a GRAND TIME Loving her as she Loves you! (Ashley's words)
Between his plan to travel to visit family in Texas and return to "his" island and resuming his painting in his neighbors gardens, he was awaiting his WWII story, Infinite Hope! --mid October '19. He and I have both been so excited to see beyond the F & Gs.
Before the doc entered, Hubby sent me a text . "Today" show Favorite FALL BOOKS w/ Savannah & a team of readers announced their fave books by categories.
Ashley's newest book,
Infinite Hope, was chosen as the best in Love & Romance category by one of the panelist.
The panelist explained that this book needed to win awards and he thought "love" was an appropriate category as Ashley, who is 96 years old, shares how his love for art sustained him as a 19 year old draftee during WWII.
One reviewer stated that
Infinite Hope is "both a lesson in history and a testament to hope." (S & S)
Having talked with Ashley through the years, even about his time during the war and seeing some of his sketches I knew that it had been a difficult time for him. Needless to say, I'm anxious to receive my copy!
He has chosen to share his love for the stories of his people and his desire to preserve Black American Spiritual as his life's work. "The spirituals touch me deeply and inspire my heart's soulwork." (Ashley Bryan,
I'm Going to Sing -Black American Spirituals vol. 2)
His art, which has its own "voice" and his words, have spread hope to many.
Ashley is one of the kindest people I have ever known.
A man of faith. An encourager. My friend.
A man of "infinite hope" himself who pours out love & hope to others.
How a treasure this picture with him at his home on Isleford/Little Cranberry Isles off the coast of Maine. He was sharing his F & Gs (folded and gathered pages) of his book, Infinite Hope.
A man who signed and gave me the book & a bit of his heart and hopes as we talked.
