Happy Birthday Kristi... we miss you...

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.

Live your life so that when you die,

the world cries and you rejoice.

Cherokee Expression

July 20th... Remembering Kristi...

Tami, Olivia, and I hiked a couple of trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday... I came across and photographed this vacant chair at the Brinegar Cabin (milepost 238.5) and thought it symbolic on this day for my entire family.

Of course we remember her every day...
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This was the view from our mountain lodge deck this morning around 6:45 AM...

we never know what a day will bring so we should Cherish Today...

In Faith,
Bernie

Last years post... Art is therapy for me at times... times like this that is... Click HERE...

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints that last forever...

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”

Today... for a couple reasons... I am ever mindful of this quote that rings so true.

#1... Today is Kristi's birthday and she would have been 41. I can remember the day she was born... I remember dad loading all the frilly dresses in the car at the hospital when we took her home... I can even remember the space we were parked in... not to bad for a six year old at the time. I miss her dearly...

#2... Today is the Memorial Service for a dear old friend who recently lost a three year battle with cancer... Jaye Ross... "Birdie" to family and friends. Birdie and her husband, Kenny, were those type people who (although we only knew for a short period of time) left lasting footprints on our (Tami and me) souls. Jaye gave Tami her first job when I moved her here from the Maryland mountains after we got married. Kenny was instrumental in getting our photography business off the ground when we started it 20 years ago. Dylan's first word was "Bobbie", the name of their daughter... he even named his security blanket "Bobbie". Austin, Kenny and Jaye's son, went to school with our oldest daughter Lyndsey. Kenny's mom, "Gram" babysat Dylan for us... their family was intertwined with ours until a new job took them from our area around 1995ish and we simply fell out of touch. Busy lives I guess. The next time we would see them was the day before Olivia was born when they came into town for the funeral of friend who was dear to both our families. I never in a million years dreamt that that would be the last time I would see Birdie. She was the picture of perfect health and natural beauty. As in the case with Kristi... you never know what a day will bring and I got an email from Kenny... "Is that you Bern?". Excited to hear from an old friend I was not prepared for the info he was about to share... "Birdie is in the last stages of cancer"... our hearts sank. Within a week we got the message from Kenny that Birdie passed. When I think of Birdie I think of a person that thoroughly enjoyed life, her family, and her friends. I think a piece of everyone she knew left with her. Tami and I are so proud of her fight and especially of Kenny who stood by her every moment. We're just as proud of Austin and Bobbie and are sorry that we could not be in South Carolina today to tell them in person. Please let this blog post serve as a tribute to Birdie and the whole family... God bless you all and may you find comfort in all the great memories that never erode... that's what Tami and I have... great memories of Birdie and her whole family.

We love you...
Bernie

Ten years ago today....

... my life, along with everyone in my family's, changed forever. It was this day 10 years ago that Kristi, my sister/friend, was killed in a tragic car accident. Needless to say... even after ten years these days are still tough... surreal might be a better word. The past few years I have used my art as therapy and found comfort in painting portraits of Kristi on July 20th... it became our special way of spending time together.
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7-20-2005

7-20-2006

7-20-2007

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This year was a little different... art still proved therapeutic for me but it was through the eyes, hands, and heart of another artist... Alicia Sotherland. I was surfing the net yesterday and came across a recent painting Alicia had just finished titled "Morning Light"... I was totally "in awe" and blown away when I viewed it. A comfort and peace came over me as I felt in my soul this was not mere chance but something Divine.

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I emailed Alicia and the story gets better... I found a warm and compassionate person who was touched by the story. She gave me permission to display her painting here. Those of you who knew Kristi will be in for that same "in awe feeling" I got when I viewed this painting... scroll down and see what I mean....

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"Morning Light" by Alicia Sotherland, July 2008.

Click on image to enlarge.

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Isn't that cool... looks just like Kristi doesn't it? To top that... it is a self portrait of the artist, Alicia Sotherland. You can view more of Alicia's awesome artwork on her website here. I love the quote on her web-page bio... “I keep my life simple and quiet. Art is my career and it brings a lot of Peace and Joy to my life. However, it’s my life that brings a lot of Joy and Peace to my art.”

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Thanks Alicia for bringing me peace and joy on this difficult day... may your artwork continue to bless others.

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I would love to read everyone's comments about this special painting and/or Krsiti... click here... comments...

In Faith,

Bernie