The Imagery of a “Feeling Heart” - “Holding on to the Heart”
Remen explains, “A friend had sent it (to Kimmie) from Bridges, a bereavement center in Tacoma, Washington, that serves children who have been touched by death. Small enough to put into a little pocket and take to school to hold and rub, these soft little hearts give children permission to hold their own hearts tenderly and to grieve. To remember that they were loved and know that they can love. Children carry them for as long as they need to, finding comfort in the softness when thoughts of their loss might otherwise overwhelm them.” The heart comforts Kimmie in the absence of her mother for it embodies affection and tenderness which her mother would offer hear if she were alive. Through the symbolic heart, Kimmie heals for it consoles her when she is overwhelmed. Kimmie learns to love herself as result of the heart which is contributory in her wholesome restoration.
The Imagery of Remen's mother's acknowledgment - “Completion”
Remen recalls, "I had been one of the two women and several men invited to speak at a conference entitles "The power of Imagination," a pioneering day-long meeting on mind/body health…when I finished speaking, there was complete silence…Suddenly people began to applaud and slowly many even stood up…Only one person in the tenth row remain seated. Her arms were crossed and there was a very tiny smile on her face. As we continued to look at each other, her eyes narrowed and she nodded slowly, twice. No other acknowledgment I have ever received has equalled it. I draw strength from it still. Five months later, she was dead." Remen's mother's acknowledgment outlives her physical demise. Although her mother does not stand up with the others, the nodding is an unqualified validation which motivates Remen for life. Accordingly parental approval is contributory in nurturing self-esteem and intrinsic motivation.
