From Nadi

I asked my daddy permission to share this because a very special thing happened for us.
😭😭😭
For this Father’s Day, I set out to paint this portrait of my grandmother who passed away when my dad was 10 years old. I had only some blurry black and white photo references but really felt I wanted to depict her “in color”.
At the point in the process where I started to put details in her eyes, something amazing happened. I’m not even sure how to share. I immediately felt her bring a message for my dad. At first I sat stunned and then I started weeping. I stopped painting to write the words she gave. 😭

From Mom Nadi: A letter to my son written through my grandaughter Sonya

Dear Lev Lamont, my sweet boy,
I had some things I wanted to convey. Sometimes the good Lord allows mysterious revelations to fall down and this is one of those times. It’s hard to believe you are 80 years old, but I chuckle because there is a 10 year old boy still there, lively and imaginative. I can see you now in my mind- your shy smile and inquisitive nature. There was never sweet curls as beautiful as my baby boy’s curls. I used to rock you and touch your sweet face and I had to play with your sweet face and curls as I rocked. Your laugh was easy and contagious.. You are also brilliant! Then and now! A momma knows these things. I want you to know that I see you still, working in the garden, studying scripture, loving your family.

I’m sure you know this but I need to say it. I didn’t want to leave you when you were just 10 years old. There was so much to say and so much to experience together. I wanted to make you feel loved and safe. I wanted to give you memories, so many memories. I know you don’t remember a lot with me and maybe that is a grace for grieving. Just know that my last days were filled with prayers for my sweet babies. Those prayers are ever-present. You’ve been covered in those prayers your whole life.

Before I felt fullgrown myself, my time earthside was over. It seems in your mid thirties you just start to get some things sorted. I didn’t expect to have to go.
I wanted things for you that came to you through grief and hard moments. I had hoped your strength would come an easier way. I guess that is always a momma’s heart.
The best of my life still lives on through you and your sisters.
I smiled through the breeze watching you fish with your Granny and romp through the pines learning to become a man and protect your sisters the best you knew how. You’ve followed God’s leading and your blessed life is something to behold. I had a hand in you meeting beautiful Shirley. I can’t reveal all of that but I could see that she had the heart of a nurturing queen. She could see deeper than the surface. I cry happy tears watching you build a life. I see your girls and grandchildren and I marvel at the legacy. Your legacy.

Today as my granddaughter started painting my portrait, it was like a portal to bring this message to you.
This portrait is me looking at you and feeling a swell of love and joy over your life.
I am so very proud of you, Lev!
Can you see the heart in my eyes?
It has always been there, sweet one. Always.

~~~~~~

I sent this letter to my dad and wrote the letter on the back of the framed painting.

I feel like on this Father’s Day, I received the gift. What a special experience I will always cherish. I don’t understand the “how”😭😭😭, but thank God for the privilege
Happy Father’s Day, my sweet daddy.