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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Hope

There's a song called "It might be hope" by Sara Groves that has come to mean a lot to some members of my family, especially my sister. A year ago, we had no idea whether we had reason to be hopeful or not. Her son Jack was waiting to be born, and with a tumour nearly the size of his head, we didn't know what the future would hold for him.

Most of you know the "rest" of the story. Jack was born healthy and beautiful, the tumour disappeared, and he is now a joyful, expressive and fun little boy. Nearly every Sunday in church, I get to hold him while he sleeps and I could hardly feel more blessed.

A few weeks ago, at his cousin's birthday, I took this picture of Jack. It struck me that this picture tells a story of Jack's place in our life - a story of hope and looking toward the light, even when it feels like fear will never loosen its grip on us.
Hope has a way of turning it's face to you
just when you least expect it
you walk in a room
you look out a window
and something there leaves you breathless
you say to yourself it's been a while since I felt this
but it feels like it might be hope

A few days ago, I decided to try my first attempt at painting a face. Jack's hopeful expression seemed like just the right place to start.

If I were to name this painting, I would call it Hope.
If you want to hear the song, check out the video my sister made for Jack's baby dedication. I'm warning you, though, have a kleenex handy.

9 comments:

bbb said...

What a beautiful picture! And painting. :-)

Liz said...

He's such a cutie! Well done (again) on the painting Heather!

Karmyn R said...

He is a treasure! I love his deep brown eyes.

Vicki said...

1. catch light in the eyes in the photo is perfect. love it.

2. the story of his miracle is humbling. (Watched the video loved it too)

3. the painting... Heather you've outdone yourself again.

Anonymous said...

that photo is absolutely stunning - what a beautiful baby!

Kelly

Linda said...

You are an artist, both in the photo and in the painting. I am so impressed!

Anonymous said...

this is a wonderful heartfelt post and so glad I found you on ShutterSisters (what a wonderful win for all of us). beautiful painting and 'hope' is a perfect title
peace n abundance
CheyAnne
http://www.redbubble.com/people/nmexicomtngirl

Pamela said...

good job. (of course it was a perfect subject to choose!)

Anvilcloud said...

You are doing so well with your art.