Loretta, Oil on Canvas

This is my beautiful Grandmother, that I wish I would have been able to meet. She died from skin cancer when my mother was only 15 years old. I see so much of my mother in her face. I know her two little girls miss her deeply. I am sure there was a very happy reunion when her mother, Lenora joined her and Pop in Heaven.

I cannot wait to meet you.

Jeffrey Blackburn, Pastel on paper

In July of 2006 this young man passed from this life to be with Jesus after battling brain cancer for four years. I work with his grandmother, Linda. Though I never had the chance to meet Jeffrey, I feel like I know him somehow by hearing about his spirit from his grandmother and by doing this drawing. He loved soccer, football, gameboy, movies and Jesus. Though his battle he said, "God has created me for a purpose", and he did not get mad at God for what was happening to him. Cancer took away many of his 5 senses, his appearance, and aspects of his childhood, but it didn't take away his hope that his life still had meaning. He will continue to fulfill his purpose through eternity, and one day I will meet him and discover the wonders of this child.

Lenora Irene Gaither, Oil on Canvas

I painted my first oil portrait in 1993 of my Great Grandmother and it is still my most cherished. I remember after painting it, studying each line, wrinkle and spot on her face when she sat next to me. I also remember as I painted, a chill went up my spine as I envisioned this piece being displayed at her funeral. When she passed away in 2002, God used this piece to bring comfort becasue she is so alive in this picture! She was born the same year the Titanic sank. Her brother, thought to be dead, returned from WWII two years after being a POW. Her only daughter and Husband died only one month apart from each other. She selflessly took in my mother during that time of deep time of loss. She was a woman of deep faith. It was through her influence and prayers that thousands, including my entire family, will be able to thank her in Heaven someday.

Beloved Mother, Oil on Canvas

I did this painting for a friend, and about her Mother Tammy wrote: She was born in 1941 - Carol - She Passed December 1999 - She was very independent, never asked anyone for help, she never wanted to be a bother to anyone. She lived with different types of cancer for most of her life. She was first dx with oral cancer when she was 21 years old and then in the 70's with cervical cancer, and in the early 90's with skin cancer, and the mid 90's with eye cancer and had her eye removed and a fake one put in , and then in June of 1999 she was dx with Liver cancer and died 6 months later. She was 57.

Sleeping baby, Oil on Canvas

Caedmon Shire (oil on canvas)
In July of 2005, Caedmon's mother, Jamie was diagnosed with breast cancer when Caedmon was just eight months in her womb. Being only 29 years old, Jamie never thought she and her husband, Lee would be starring death in the face. By the grace of God, the entire family has survived breast cancer! Caedmon means "warrior". I can say, the meaning of his name is a good description of this family. The lesson I have learned from their story is to never take your life and the lives of those you love for granted.