Creative Mind by Nancy Ann

One of my  favorite art galleries to visit is the Islip Art Museum located on 50 Irish Lane in East Islip, New York.  The location is one of the many reasons why I am drawn to this art museum in addition to the incredible art exhibits.  The art gallery is located in a section of a historical mansion called, “Brookwood Hall.”  This landmark 41 room mansion is full of history. That alone makes the trip to the gallery even more appealing.  It was built in 1903 by a very rich businessman from New York City that wanted a getaway for his family.  Over the years it changed ownership several times and was even an orphanage for children.  In 1967 it was sold to the town of Islip for only $385,000.00. The building is also the setting for municipal offices as well as the art gallery.  From the large windows within the gallery, you look out to a lake and large grounds that families can enjoy a picnic and tour the estate....

On June 23, 1980, my mother Beatrice was killed by a drunk driver.  The man who killed her was a stranger who was "partying" in the Hamptons on Long Island, New York.  He was from Switzerland and was working in New York City for his father.  We never met.  He came into our lives, took our Mother's life, and walked away, "free as a bird."  Today I believe he is back in Switzerland living a productive life as though nothing ever happened.  He never even said he was sorry.  Her precious life was taken away because of a bad choice in judgment on the behalf of another individual.  I have forgiven this stranger.  However, I hope he never forgets the bad choice he made, the lives that he destroyed,  and I hope that everyone who reads this remembers to never drink and drive.   (A poem I wrote in June, 1980 after my Mother was killed.) WHY DID SHE GO? My mother is gone from my life and I miss her so. I wasn't ready to part...