Ahna at 16 months.
She'd been home with us for less than 3 months when we did the photo shoot in our back yard, in October 2008. Then a couple of months after that, I received this painting as a Christmas gift from our oldest son, Seth.
Needless to say, I was undone. I had had surgery just a few weeks before, and was still physically weak and emotionally adjusting, anyway. I bawled like a baby to see our beautiful girl on that canvas, painted by her big brother.
Such a light we were beginning to see, in those eyes! And Seth's painting displays it so perfectly. At least to me. He is not pleased with this particular painting anymore - something about tones and values and depth. I suppose he has matured as an artist, and sees qualities my eyes cannot. I only know that I wouldn't have him change a single thing about the painting of his sister.
His gift will always be one of my greatest treasures.
Our high school senior artist-son is on his way out our door, preparing for the great big world that has spread itself before him. (I typed that, then sat here and stared at the words of that sentence for 20 minutes.)
Do all parents of high school seniors ask, "HOW IN THE WORLD CAN IT BE??" Inwardly, I am screaming it.
My brain is abuzz with a million thoughts constantly colliding.
And with that, I will close this post.
