Have you ever had a knowing, something you believed in & it’s been easy for you to believe in… but not everyone finds it as easy for them to believe in the same way? Over the years I’ve come to understand that each of us has a personal belief that comes easy to us, whether by faith or personal witness.

Ever since I was a little girl & first learned about my mother’s 1st pregnancy of twin boys I told her that I know them. They are of course in heaven, I know them! That was my belief as a small child that has carried out throughout my life.

When I first heard word of my niece recently having to deliver her baby early, at the same stage of development as my twin brothers, this image immediately came to mind. I wanted to give her a tangible piece of my testimony to share as hopeful comfort. A visual of what I feel with all my heart to be true. At first I had sketched a more peaceful reverent expression on baby Daniel’s face, but about a third of the way into painting this, I had a strong impression come over me… as if Daniel was whispering to my spirit, “Smile! I smiled at Jesus Aunt Becky, show my Mommy & Daddy how much JOY I felt to see Him! Please!”

After I readjusted his expression on his face, it felt comforting to know that this was what he wanted them to see. ????

Each of us are different for a reason, because just as I know that the spirit world is real, I have always felt it so close. Jesus is very real. So do I believe that we are all meant to have our own unique abilities & differences so we can support each other.

Daniel, perhaps, was always meant to be an angel to his family. His brief time on earth has meaning, that isn’t supposed to make complete sense because it’s meant to teach us faith… just as my parents have had to learn how to hope & have faith that one day they’ll see my brothers again. Perhaps my role in others learning this hope & faith, has been to share what I genuinely believe to be true & have always felt this way – to use my talents in painting & show what I feel; they choose if they believe it too.

I am one very blessed Auntie to have this little angel in my life who I look forward to seeing in the arms of my niece again. ????

About the Artist

I’m an artist, author, and poet. My work is often shaped by lived experiences and by paying close attention to the world around me… nature, and the people who have helped shape my life.

I usually paint first, and the words come later. Painting has been the safest way I’ve found to be honest about things that are hard to say out loud, and over time I’ve noticed other people finding their own stories in the work too.

My paintings are meant to comfort, to feel like a presence rather than a statement, and to give space for each person to find their own meaning. The connection that happens there matters most to me.