Deep nasolabial folds are part of my family’s genetic profile. My mom and dad both had prominent ones, as do my siblings.
They’re those wrinkles that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. I am pretty sure they’ve always been there, but with the march of Father Time, mine are reaching new depths. Not yet Grand Canyon status, but perhaps the Columbia Gorge.
Hang with me. There is a reason I’m telling you this.
We have a young artist in treatment at the Ranch. She is incredibly talented and is learning much in our art classes. It is an important part of her treatment… to find something she truly excels at. It calms her. As part of her learning, her art teacher, Alana Wentland, thought that doing some work for “clients” would help her with her social skills, while building on her talent. I got to be a model! (I was told to schedule 15 minutes.)
When I came into the art room, the artist greeted me, shook my hand, and led me to my seat. She explained that she was doing caricatures in the “Tim Burton” style… exaggerated eyes, fun hair, etc. She gave me some ideas about picking out earrings and other accessories she could incorporate into the drawing.
As she worked, she talked. “You have big eyes already.” “I like the way your hair lays to the side, you must have a cowlick like me!” etc. She had completed examples of her work on the art table so I looked at them as she drew.
As I glanced at her work, I saw she was intently drawing in the deep nasolabial folds, my wrinkles that run from nose to mouth. I looked at all the other drawings. None had wrinkles anywhere… As I looked back at her, she saw what I saw and for a moment was unsure how to handle it.
Then, she looked me straight in the eye, cleared her throat, and said, “For you, I have to put in the smile lines!”
I love each and every one of these kids.
Please keep them and our staff in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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