The Forgotten Man

This is my favorite art piece of those housed at the BYU Museum of Art. In fact, it might be my favorite art piece. Period. I was first introduced to it by my older sister, who expressed her appreciation of it early into my BYU experience. I think I have since introduced it to some of my younger sisters, among others. As a graduation gift, my parents allowed me to select an image to be matted and framed. This was my selection. And I love it. I decided long ago, not too long after I decided to pursue becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist, that I wanted this to be in my future office. Since then, I've decided on a few other decorations. I also will want something representative of my India experience, I haven't quite decided what. I also want an expanding sphere toy and a Texas star. And a picture of my family. I feel like I'm forgetting one other thing. Oh well. And maybe a metronome and something cowboy-esque. I'm just making stuff up now. Whatevs, I still have a few years ahead of me before I'll have an office.

Anyway, back to Maynard Dixon's The Forgotten Man. I love it. It was painted around the time of the Great Depression. It depicts a discouraged-looking man. He is sitting alone on a curb, seemingly very small next to that fire hydrant. His shoes look worn. His gaze is downcast and his expression communicates dejection. Behind him are the feet and legs of other passings him by. He is surrounded by people but he is alone. He is probably invisible to them, if noticed at all, possibly judged as just a poor man on the curb. And interestingly, they are invisible to us, likely just assumed to be unaware and busy people who are otherwise blinded to human need.

I can't help but feel that at times that picture is a mirror to everyone at challenging times. At least it has been for me from time to time. Right now might even be one of those times a little bit. And actually, I don't feel sad or lonely at present, but I have recently. But I figure its okay to feel sad and lonely from time to time. But I've never been without hope or gratitude, even in times of discouragement. I learned a while back that joy and sadness are not opposites, nor are they mutually exclusive.

Anyway, its nice to look at this picture from time to time and think, "Yeah, I feel your pain, man, at least a little bit. And its hard to feel alone." And then I want to tell the forgotten man that things will get better. But then sometimes I decide to hold off for a minute. Maybe first I'd sit down by him. We can be alone together for a while. Maybe I'd give him a hug. Maybe I'd talk. Maybe I'd listen. Maybe I'd just be there. And then eventually I'd say something to inspire hope. Because things can get better. They always do. Besides, in retrospect, the hard times are the greatest blessings and teachers.

Anyway, I love this picture.