Paintings - A Reminder

At the end of July a local family's 12 year old son was swept away in a creek he and friends were playing in during a storm. He was taken quite a distance and in/under the water for an estimated 10 minutes. He has serious brain injuries and they are in that arduous time of working to heal his brain and body.

The boy's mother is an artist that I commissioned to do the oil paintings of "fruit" in my kitchen. I always loved the freshness and simpleness of this type of painting.

My boys are funny about what they do and don't have opinions on. Surprisingly, they had an opinion about her initials in the corner. They think they are too prominent.

Who knew we would fast forward 7 years and those initials are a reminder to me to pray for this family every day. We all agree, the initials are now just the right size.

The boy's mother posts every night on a Carepages website through our Children's Hospital and is so incredibly inspirational. Last night she was worn out and posted the following from her mother. I love it and thought you might too.

Always try to help a friend in need
Believe in yourself
Study hard
Give lots of kisses
Laugh often
Don't be overly concerned with your weight, it's just a number
Always try to see the glass half full
Meet new people, even if they look different to you
Remain calm, even when it seems hopeless
Take lots of naps.
Be weird whenever you have the chance
Love your friends, no matter who they are
Don't waste food
RELAX
Try to have a little fun each day.
...it's important.
Share a joke with friends
Fall in love with someone....
...and say 'I love you' often
Express yourself creatively
Always be up for surprises
Love someone with all of your heart
Share with friends
Watch your step
It will get better
There is always someone who loves you more than you know
Exercise to keep fit
Live up to your name
Seize the Moment
Hold on to good friends; they are few and far between (except in my case, where they are ABUNDANT!)
Indulge in the things you truly love
Cherish every Sunday
At the end of the day... PRAY