Deep Brain Stimulation, I’m Ready

In the picture, I am transparent, and the viewer can see inside my body. On the left, the background is pink; on the right, black. On the left, a cormorant accompanies me —- a symbol of hope. On the right, there is a lot of black —- so no hope? No, because a large eye stands by my side and watches over me. Silver rays are growing out of my head into the pink and hopeful parts of my life! I have wrapped a protective cloak around my body, and behind my head, an owl watches over me, symbolically giving me further protection!

This image was created shortly before my DBS surgery; it symbolizes both my fear and my confidence ahead of the operation. The transparency of my body and my open posture show my confidence and my hope. To me, this image means: everything will be okay!

Used by permission of the artist.