Vigil meus

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants know to God. And God’s peace which transcends all human understanding will garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7 (The Amplified Bible)

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In February 2002, my beloved wife, Mariaan, was diagnosed with breast cancer. In a few short days both our lives changed for ever. I entered her ward in the hospital one late afternoon after she had gone through life-saving surgery and found her still asleep – her face filled with a tranquility that astounded me. I stood by her bed in prayer holding fast onto her hand and suddenly I knew that God was present in that room and His angels were watching over us both. I will always remember that profound moment – and have attempted to capture it in this image. The scene is set in Victorian times, but the message is timless. A man exhausted by a long vigil, rests at the bedside of his wife who is very ill and close to death, his hands clasped in prayer. Unbeknown and unseen by both an angel watches over them. “Vigil meus” is Latin for “my watcher”.

This image is dedicated to my wife, Mariaan. Her strength despite her illness has been an inspiration to me! This image is also dedicated to the memory of Debbie Bishop. Even though she lost the battle against cancer, her memory lives on in my heart!

Worlds in the Making