Eastern Transition Window

This and the Western Window represent Transition. Artistically they allow the artwork to transition fluidly from one thematic area into the next, but more importantly, they speak of the state of transition itself. The hospital experience is always one of transition. It may be one of gentleness and joy, like having a baby. It may be a rude wake up call, demanding life changes. Or it may be a harsh new reality imposed at the worst possible moment. Like the “winds of change,” transitions are unpredictable, uncontrollable, and stressful because of the unknowns they bestow. Like a river, we must flow through life’s transitions, trusting in the will of God to guide us safely through every hour. The Transition windows have much movement, but no clear, or even abstract, image. This is because when we are in a state of change, we do not see the future clearly. The design is saying that we must move forward, in trust, knowing that we will find our way.

Fire Window

Fire embodies the very essence of spirituality, whether as a sacred religious symbol, or as a calming spiritual experience. Aspects of these concepts are woven into this window design. The seemingly spontaneous movement within the design suggests that the Holy Spirit is moving within and through us, empowering us with its presence. The vertical movement of line and color guides our eyes heavenward, reminding us to take our concerns to God in prayer. Small glass jewels rise through the artwork, as sparks rise from a fire, suggestive of our prayers rising to heaven. We can also find great solace in the vision of a warm fire, be it in the hearth, or an intimate campfire shared with friends. We become surrounded again by the companionship, the conversations, the meals shared. Immediately, the demands of life lose their sense of urgency, anxieties recede, and a peace settles deep within our soul. We are not alone. The Perpetual Flame is always on for us.

Water window

This window represents the concept of water, with all its connotations of abundance, cleansing, flood, and rebirth. As these ideas guided the rhythm and flow of the design, a single water drop emerged. It communicates that we may be one drop in the sea of life, but that God treasures us as a most precious individual, selectively nurturing us in our time of need. In our daily routine, we may sway in harmony with the tide of everyday life, but in our darker hours, we are raised up, apart from the sea. There, in a suspended moment, somewhere between Heaven and Earth, our Greater Power draws us to himself, blessing us with his kiss of warm sunlight. We are made perfect and whole, our spirit knows only peace. We are ready to embrace the rest of life's journey that lies before us.