If I were to put a number on all the things for which I am grateful in 2008, at the very least that number would be 320 because that’s how many sunrises I have seen thus far this year. Days are not something I take for granted, for in the immortal words of the great rhythm and blues singer Dinah Washington, “what a difference a day makes.”

Indeed, the events that transpire within a single day can overturn the history of centuries, mark our hearts with sorrow, or empower our souls with joy.

Among the blessings of 2008 that have given me reasons to gratefully celebrate has been the publication of my book with the artist Luther E. Vann: ELEMENTAL The Power of Illuminated Love . ELEMENTAL is not only a blessing because it finally saw the light of day after a 17-year struggle to get it published, but because so many enriched the title with their diverse contributions to it.


One of those contributing individuals was Ozena W. Wilcox (Dec 5, 1908- Nov 14, 2008) whose incandescently painted portrait adorns page 3 of ELEMENTAL. Although it was never my privilege to greet Ozena in person, I treasured the honor of getting to know her to some extent through the vibrant expressionistic colors and multidimensional perspective in Vann’s portrait of his cousin.


Through Vann’s eyes and palette—filled with the swirling energies of violet, pink, green, yellows, and mahogany–– one can find it easy to see and salute the dynamic individuality that marked her singular being. The depth and intensity of wisdom and love accumulated throughout Ozena’s 100 years in this world can be measured to some degree by the spectral memories and presences that dwell in the portrait just above her head. They encircle, motivate, sustain, and define her in ways at which we can only guess. The painted colors of that love and wisdom continue to bless not only this author, but many others as well.


And for that I truly am very grateful.



by Aberjhani
co-author of ELEMENTAL The Power of Illuminated Love