Levi's Fantastic Adventure -Paint Party Friday

Two weeks ago my dear friends lost their sweet three-year old boy, Levi, to a rare type of brain cancer.  I was honored when his grandparents asked me to draw a picture of him with some very specific details.

Levi loved giraffes and sports.  He adored trains, too.  They also asked for a garden, ladybugs and those wonderful trees with Mount-Kilimanjaro in the background.  He loved the color blue.

When he saw the picture, Grandpa Nick said, "Only you could have done this."  And when I told him how many people had been praying while I worked on it, he replied, "I see God's hand all over this drawing." That is one of the greatest compliments I've ever been given.  I felt God guiding my pencil as I drew.

Above is my reference picture.  Isn't he the cutest, sweetest little fellow?  Please pray for his family as they grieve.

God bless you dear ones, thank you for dropping by--you are always, always a great encouragement to my heart. Happy Paint Party Friday!

Life's Sweet Sadness

The drawing above is a draft of a card from our family, to be sent out at Christmas in the early 1990's.  I see the bright happiness and sweetness of our family reflected in this graphite sketch.  How life has changed since those long ago days.

Three years ago, right about this moment, Alan was being rushed to the hospital to take his last breaths.

That day is emblazoned upon my heart and into my eyes.  I miss my Beloved.  There is a certain heart hunger for his presence which will always be a part of my life.

I am SO thankful to have shared this great adventure with my husband.  What wonderful fun we had.  Such tussles we had--a great love with all the ingredients of life--laughter, tears, sweetness, anger, work, companionship, love.  My family and I have been blessed.

I am grateful to God for bringing Alan into my life.  My Beloved put the flavor into living.  I grieve, I always will.  But there is so much for which to be thankful.  Blessings to you all, dear ones.