Gardener with Sunflower

Paintings have stories. This one is a note, a letter of deep gratitude.  I had the opportunity to get to know a very special couple, Julie and Brendan in Denver, Colorado back in August 2012. They reentered my families life under some very difficult circumstances and helped beyond measure. My (our) oldest son was injured in an accident a long way from home. They were with us from the first day and continue to help us all heal. I really don't think they know how much we value all that they did. They spent their evenings gathered around the hospital bed with pizza and movies. They retold college events and laughed. They brought gifts...t-shirts with biking logos, gloves and one day they brought sunflower seeds that they harvested from their garden. They were the glue that held us together at times. When they walked through the door, it was a remembrance of days past that were so good and hope for better days ahead. Yes, there is only one person in this portrait, Julie, but around her neck is a pendant with the letter "B" for Brendan. I'm hoping that someday I'll have time to do another portrait of Brendan. Maybe he'll have a hat on with the letter "J".

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