Some of the most meaningful Christmas presents we received this year were handmade.
The picture above was painted by a sweet, high school senior named Cecilia. She is the daughter of my sister’s friend who met and got to know Madison at the ranch we go to as a family every summer. As many know, I taught high school art and I can’t tell you what this painting means to me. She took the time to capture Madison the way we all remember her; crazy, happy, joyful, and funny. I laughed through tears and love it so much.
The mixed-media sunflower was a gift from my sister Lauren to honor Madison’s memory. I sang “You Are My Sunshine” to Madison every night for a long time. Mostly because she insisted, but I secretly loved doing it. I loved watching her smile at me while she listened.
I’ll cherish these gifts forever. Thank you so much 💜
