Hinkelstone in the Oak by Tommes
What is that up there in the tree?
It is a Menhir, way up there in the Oak tree.
Where did the rock come from?
How did it get there?
What is this about?
The whole thing has everything to do with my fight and victory over Burkitt- lymphoma cancer that started in 2004, when I received the diagnosis.
It meant excruciating chemotherapy during a 9 month long stay in the hospital in which I didn’t get to see my 3-year-old daughter at all. The single only thing that kept me going was my indisputable hope of recovery.
These were hard and trying painful times.
However, those who know me, know my stubborn and unwavering will to heal. Ultimately this was what gave me the strength to pull through and defeat the cancer.
Tommes- the beat goes on, was the moto of my FB page.
So the following years I began the journey of recovery and strength to finally find my old self again.
Then the shock in 2014 when I was told the cancer had returned, and therefore not the most positive outlook on a full recovery once again.
But I am Tommes, so with my unwavering will and fighting spirit, I needed to do it again to buy time.
While in the hospital I needed to find a symbol, something that signifies my strength and fight against this cancer. The idea alone already gave me strength.
To build a rock, a rock that symbolizes strength and durability, the type of strength and durability I needed to win my fight against this cancer once again.
The following years of rehabilitation I utilized with the help of friends to build and rebuild this Monolith.
So that on July 9th 2022 it would find its place way up in the canopy of a big Oak tree.
On this day, I was surrounded by friends and helpers that very well understood the importance and symbolism of completing this task. In this moment, sitting under the Oak with its Monolith up in its peak, I was proud and very happy.
This double symbolism of Monolith and Oak stood for endurance and strength. The type you need to win the battle against cancer and find happiness in life again.
This is the purpose of my Art work.
