Art, Love and Wheels

True love only sees the heart and soul. Here is a touching and inspiring story of love overcoming extreme obstacles by Denise Landry

As she wheeled into Hart’s Fancies, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries wrapped Vanessa Martin like a warm hello. She was there to meet Tyler Bonneau. She was very nervous about it. His online portfolio showcased a talent for bringing stories to life through vibrant illustrations. Their mutual agent suggested that Vanessa ask Tyler to provide the artwork for her new poetry collection. This was her and Tyler’s first meeting. She hoped that he would think her writing was as good as his artwork. She moved her long, red hair away from her brown eyes so she could see around the busy café. Tyler was standing, his bright blue eyes locking onto hers, a warm smile spreading across his face.

Vanessa thought he was the most gorgeous man ever. She caught herself. “Be professional,” she thought as her wheelchair rolled up to his table.

“Hey, Vanessa,” he said with a sweet smile. “It’s great to finally meet you.”

“You too,” Vanessa said with her nice sounding synthesized, feminine voice coming out from her iPad.

As they ordered their drinks and began discussing their project, they started sharing their writing and art with each other. Everything was a great work in progress. They spent joyful hours pouring over ideas and laughing. Tyler and Vanessa found talking to each other easy.

As they worked together the next few weeks, Tyler’s passion for art and life was infectious. He drew pictures that brought Vanessa’s characters to life. Vanessa found herself writing new “brilliant” poetry. “

He stands beautifully in front of a canvas of brilliance … black hair flowing… blue eyes shimmering…”

Tyler’s eyes crinkled as he smirked thinking that the poem was about him. Then he surprised Vanessa with a radiant portrait of her. She was more beautiful than she saw herself. She was surrounded by surreal flowers and inspirational words but she didn’t see her wheelchair. She looked at Tyler puzzled.

“I know that your disability is a big part of your life,” Tyler told her taking her hand. “But I see all of you as the most beautiful, imaginative, warm woman I want to love and kiss.” He kissed Vanessa passionately.

Vanessa’s heart and brain raced. “I’m falling in love with you but can you really handle this?” She looked down at her chair.

“I am willing to try if you are,” Tyler said lifting her head. “Let’s take a chance on us.”

Vanessa nodded and kissed him putting her arms around him lovingly. She and Tyler finally finished their book and handed it over to the publisher who loved it. They thought of their next projects together and separately as they continued their romance every day and every night, embracing each other around Montreal. They had fun merging their disabled and ‘normal’ worlds together. Tyler learned when to and when not to help Vanessa do things. And Vanessa became more confident in doing things by herself. The couple was seemingly building a new beautiful life together they hoped.

Then one day Tyler came in with a letter in his hand and a weird expression on his face,

“I’ve been offered a residency at a prestigious art studio in Paris. I applied months before we met.” Tyler shook his head. “No, I won’t go. I want a life here with you. “

Vanessa’s heart sank, but she said, “You can’t pass it up. It’s a great opportunity for you as an artist. You have to go.”

So Tyler packed up and got ready to go to Paris. Vanessa sadly kissed him goodbye. They did their best to keep their relationship alive through video chat and texting. They missed each other awfully. But Vanessa kept busy with the book publishing.

The publisher planned a book launch party. Vanessa arrived in her prettiest dress and nervous. The publisher had her poetry and Tyler’s art hung on the walls beautifully. People praised her and Tyler for their work. Vanessa thanked them for them both. Then she stared at the portrait of her that Tyler did. She wished he was there. She turned around and suddenly saw Tyler standing there. She let out a loud, embarrassing squeal as he walked toward her and kissed her. People watched and applauded.

Vanessa looked at him confused. “How? What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t miss the launch and I missed you too much to stay away,” Tyler said. Then when they were alone, he asked ,“Come back and live in Paris with me.” He pleaded with his eyes.

Vanessa looked into his loving eyes and thought art, writing and the matter of her being on wheels didn’t matter as long as she was with Tyler. She nodded her head and kissed him. Forever grateful for their love.