Healing Reflections is a collection of stories & experiences from staff within the Mayo Clinic Health System and community members that was compiled in partnership with University of Wisconsin Eau Claire throughout 2020 & 2021. The goal of this project is to not only represent a historic time, but to allow healing by gaining insight and understanding into another’s experiences. At its core Healing Reflections has been curated to foster healing through connection with other people.

Each of us has played a role in the collective cultural experience that continues to define the COVID pandemic. Though our experiences may vary greatly, it can be said that over the past two years we have all been isolated. As a result, we’ve all had to learn how to be resilient in the face of the unknown. Healing Reflection aims to celebrate that resilience and rebuild solidarity among our communities through creativity. Ultimately, this collection is trying to not only tell the stories of its contributors but the story of humanity.

Especially for those suffering from the unknowns of Post-COVID Syndrome, maintaining connections with loved ones and other people is more important than ever. It is the hope of this blog that sharing the art and stories from Healing Reflections will provide the patients who frequent it with a sense of togetherness and hope.

Click the links to read the stories corresponding to the artwork:

Born to Love

Art by: Tom Burgraff, Chippewa Falls, WI, Story by: Anonymous

 

 Gracefulness

Story by: Celeana Gibbs, R.N. Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Meira Smit
Colfax, WI

 

 Crack in Time

Story by: Jessica Havenor, R.N., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Mitchell Spencer, Eau Claire, WI

 

 Together, For You

Story by: Melissa Larson, R.N., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Lori Chilefone, Eau Claire, WI

 

Under the Same Sun

Story and art by: Pa Kou Lee, C.O.A., Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Behind Every Mask is a Story

Story of: Todd Comstock Larson, R.N., Mayo Clinic Health System, Story of: Celestine Odenigbo, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System, Story of: Ivana Federiuk, R.N., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Tracy Kennedy, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Cora, Corona, and Care

Story by: Cora Smiskey, E.M.T., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Kathy Schmiedeskamp, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

A Stone of Hope

Story by: Aimee Nelson, P.A.-C., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Susan Walsh, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Pieces of the Puzzle

Story by: Jennifer Johnson, R.N., Mayo Clinic Health System, Story by: Marvin Whitman, Menomonie, WI, Artist Emma Ozark, Menomonie, WI

 

The Cloud Emotions of Covid

Story by: Anna Lehman, P.A.-C., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Riley Lehman, Menomonie, WI

 

Geometric Heart

Artist Brandon Hidaka, M.D., Ph.D. Mayo Clinic Health System

 

From the News to Your Front Door

Story by: Reggie Estrella, P.T.; Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Grace McEllistrem, Eau Claire, WI

 

Reflections of 2020

Story by: Sue Cullinan, M.D. | Mayo Clinic Health System, Art by: Claire Dronen

 

All Hands In

Stories by: Respiratory Care Staff, Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Kirsten Holbrook, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Blue Skies Ahead

Story by: Stephanie Koepp, O.T.; Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Morgan Depke, Eau Claire, WI

 

Empathy

Story and art by: Jenny Lau, O.D., Mayo Clinic Health System

 

The Poem of the Swallowtail

Story by: Sandy Dahl, P.A.-C., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Henry Loomis, Eau Claire, WI

 

Mental Health Check

Story by: Dan Tainter, R.N. Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Winter Omodth, Eau Claire, WI

 

But There is Hope / Art of Honor and Offerings

Story by: Ma Vue, Eau Claire, WI

20 Words for 2020: A Fifth Grade Perspective

Stories by: Putnam Heights 5th Graders Eau Claire, WI, Story by: Melissa Greer, Eau Claire, WI

 

Resilience Out of Oppression

Story by: Embrace Survivors, Embrace, Artist Judy Bubolz, Ladysmith, WI

 

Door Screener

Story by: Leah Gietman, Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Janice Theberge, Boyceville, WI

 

Hope After Hardship

Story by: Doug Auleta, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Dejntxhee “DJ” Vang, Menomonie, WI

 

The Unknown Destination

Story by: Pam White, D.N.P., R.N., N.E.-B.C., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Elizabeth Coffin, Menomonie, WI

 

Laughter as Medicine in the Time of COVID-19

Story by: Jim Deming, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Kiera Ludwigson, Menomonie, WI

 

Spring Will Come

Story by: Taylor Boxx, P.A.-C., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Jenna Paulson, Menomonie, WI

 

Hope Spreads

Story by: Jason Craig, Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Dana Sterzinger, Eau Claire, WI

 

Bedside Manner

Story by: Anonymous, Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Shelby Wille, Eau Claire, WI

 

Silver Linings

Story by: Alayna Martinek, Eau Claire, WI, Artist: Jeanne Styczinski, Colfax, WI

 

Giselle

Story by: David Carlson, Eau Claire, WI, Artist: Tanya Meyer, Eau Claire, WI

 

Stories from Students and A Teacher's Perspective

Stories by: Wakanda Elementary School First Graders, Erin Kennedy, Menomonie, WI

 

UW-Stout Student Athlete Perspectives

Story by: Raelin Sorensen | Cross Country and Track & Field, Balsam Lake, WI, Lucas Carroll | Hockey and Track & Field, East Bethel, MN, Lexie Wescott | Soccer, Lake Geneva, WI, Lauren Mickley | Cross Country and Track & Field, Westerville, OH, Caylee Boone | Soccer, Eau Claire, WI, Jackie Bertrand | Gymnastics, Green Bay, WI, Artist Layne Pitt, Menomonie, WI

 

A Teacher's Changing Role During COVID-19

Story by: Jessica Severson, Eau Claire, WI, Artist: Adia Higbie, Menomonie, WI

 

Controlling Mindset

Story by: Bob Peck, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist Halle Buhr, Menomonie, WI

 

Alone, facing a mortal illness

Larry Sprecher, M.D, Hospital Medicine – Mayo Clinic Health System, Artist: Liz Kaetterhenry

 

Reflection of Hope
Artist and Storyteller: Anna Meier, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Therapy During Covid

Artist: Mary Elworthy, Storyteller: Brittany Homer, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

The Fight

Artist: Maranda Steinmetz-Robey, St. Paul, MN, Storyteller: Bloomer Radiology Team, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Climbing Back

Artist and Storyteller: Karen Bejin, Chippewa Falls, WI

 

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Artist: Amelia Anderson, Menomonie, WI, Storyteller: Sue Bauer, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Always Connected

Artist & Storyteller: June Hootman, Eau Claire, WI

 

Memories of Music

Artist: Ethan Eberhardt, Eau Claire, WI, Storyteller: Kobi Shaw, Colfax, WI

 

Vaccination Release

Artist: Suzanne Vergin, Barron, WI, Storyteller: Blythe Rinaldi, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Wash Day

Artist: Kathleen Mason, Fall Creek, WI, Storyteller: Beth Gundlach, P.T.A., Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Giving Hearts Heal

Artist and Storyteller: Healing Fibers Group, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

The Healing Ingredient

The Healing Ingredient, Artist: Marilyn Lynch, Storyteller: Jim Alf, Eau Claire, WI

 

Let Love Heal

Artist: Alicia Jungwirth, Durand, WI, Storyteller: Rick Helmers, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Jo Moschogianis / ECPD

Artist: Jo Moschogianis, Storyteller: Eau Claire County Police Officer, Eau Claire, WI

 

Apart and Together

Apart and Together, Artist: Christine Evans, Chippewa Falls, WI, Storyteller: Jamie Vue, Eau Claire, WI

 

When Only a Song Can Speak

Artist: Ruth Lundblad, Storyteller: Angela Huginan, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Together We Are One

Artist: Nan Wright, Minnetonka, MN, Storyteller: Story by: Richard Arndt, Pharm. D., R.Ph. and Lori Arndt, P.A.-C. | Mayo Clinic Health System

 

American Asian, Not Germ Warfare

Artist: Nancy Dutmer, Chetek, WI, Storyteller: Jenny Lau, O.D., Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Interrupted hugs
Artist: Cari Jacobson

 

We The People

Story and Art by: Michelle Basman, Minneapolis, MN

 

Finding the Path to Calm

Story by: Joseph Wildenberg, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic Health System, Art by: Karen Bejin

 

Charlie / Inga, Julian, and Mama

"Inga, Julian, and Mama" Art by: Andrea Worthey, Eau Claire, WI, Storyteller: Kaejan Pederson, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

One Year Today

Artist: Debbie Norgaarden, Storyteller: Richard Suckow, RN, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Standing in the Light

Artist: Isabella Lyste, Storyteller: Cathy Reitz, Eau Claire, WI

 

Eau Claire Police Department

Story by: Eau Claire Police Department School Resource Officer, Eau Claire, WI, Artist: Elizabeth Normand, Chippewa Falls, WI

 

Fractured

Artist: Janice Roberts, Eau Claire, WI, Storyteller: Anonymous Nurse, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Covid-19 Reflections

Art by: Rayna Jakowicz, Chippewa Falls, WI, Story by: Ryan Hebert, Chetek, WI

 

Dove and Thorns

Art By: Heidi Schreiner, Story by: Alina Hunt, M.D.- Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Candid on COVID

Story and art by: Ray Kaselau | Eau Claire, WI

 

Outside the Box

Story by: Patricia McCafferty, M.D. | Mayo Clinic Health System, Art by: Paige Norgaarden

 

End of Day

Story by: Charles Nordstrom, M.D. | Mayo Clinic Health System, Art by: Ray Kaselau | Eau Claire, WI

 

The Bravery Bell

Story & Art by: Hayley Zimmerman | Chippewa Falls

 

Hugs Interrupted

Story by: Sue Kinderman | Eau Claire WI, Art by: Shawna Stanley | Chippewa Falls WI

 

Safe Place

Story and Art by: Jan Balow

 

Isabella Smith and Ebony Benson

Story By: Ebony Benson, R.M.A. – Mayo Clinic Health System, Art by: Isabella Smith, Chippewa Falls High School Senior

 

Reflections on the COVID 19 Pandemic

Story By: Janki Patel, DO, MPH, Mayo Clinic Health System, Art by: Anna Meier, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Labrynth series: Spring

by: Michele Coppin

Labrynth series: Summer

by: Michele Coppin

Labrynth series: Fall

by: Michele Coppin

Labrynth series: Winter

by: Michele Coppin

Labrynth series: New Moon

by: Michele Coppin

Labrynth series: Map of Time

by: Michele Coppin

 

Emotional Rollercoaster

Story by: Bloomer Environmental Services | Mayo Clinic Health System, Art by: Ray Kaselau | Eau Claire, WI

 

Waiting for the Vaccine

Story & Art by: Janice Balow | Eau Claire, WI

 

Together

Story by: Jason Beckermann, M.D. | Mayo Clinic Health System, Art by: Jackie Sanchez

 

Anonymous RN

Artwork By: Tracy Kennedy, Story By: Anonymous RN, Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Faith leaders in our community

Stories and Artwork by: Tracy Kennedy

 

Faith leaders in our community

Stories and Artwork by: Tracy Kennedy

 

Faith leaders in our community

Stories and Artwork by: Tracy Kennedy

 

A Year Since COVID Came Here

Story By: Jan Carroll, Eau Claire, WI, Artwork by: Tracy Kennedy

 

COVID

Story by: Kelly Ware, Eau Claire, WI, Artwork by: Tracy Kennedy

 

Story and Artwork by: Natalie Shofner Hastings, MN

 

love, home, emergency, one world

Story by: Sheila Frank, Artwork By: Sara Hefty, Eau Claire , WI

 

Persistence, Patience, and Resilience

Story by: Abbi Oium, Rehabilitation Services, Mayo Clinic Health System, Artwork by: Nan Wright
Minnetonka, MN

 

Hand and Heart

Story by: Troy Stoneberg, MS, PA-C, AEMT, Assistant Fire Chief – EMS Operations, Altoona Fire & Rescue, Artwork by: Nan Wright, Minnetonka, MN

 

The Invisible Angel Series

Story and Art by: Tracy Kennedy, NWWI-MCHS Chaplain

 

Phoenix Rising

Story By: Tonya Jahnke, RN, Mayo Clinic Health System, Artwork by: McKenna Johnson, Prescott, WI

 

Mikaela Burtis

Story By: Mikaela Burtis, R.N., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artwork by: Barbara Goldberg, Minneapolis, MN

 

Manix / Olson

Story By: Kayla Olson, R.T.(R), R.T.(R)(M), Mayo Clinic Health System, Artwork by: Masyn Manix, La Crosse, WI

 

Skold / Huset

Story by: Lacey Huset, R.N., Mayo Clinic Health System, Artwork by: Erin Skold, J.D.
Mayo Clinic Health System

 

What the World Needs Now

Sue Orfield, Musician, Eau Claire, WI, Artwork by: Nan Wright, Minnetonka, MN

 

Anchors

Story by: Chaplain Jordon Berg, Mayo Clinic Health System, Artwork by: Kathy Schmiedeskamp

 

To you, Poem

Judy Harris