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Monday, May 19, 2025

A little show and tell

We were doing some rearranging of our pictures on the wall in our downstairs family room recently. I have a special piece of art in that grouping and thought I should share it with you.


Here's a grouping of photos I took of different lighthouses and some of their interiors, in the middle is the artwork I'm talking about.





When I worked as a nurse in the hospital, I worked on the ortho/neuro floor.  We had patients with fractures, total hips and knees, back surgeries and patients with neuro injuries like paraplegic and quadriplegics.
One of the patients that was on our floor several times was a quadriplegic. He was unable to move anything from his upper shoulders down. He was hurt in a diving accident and had a wife and young daughter. Sometimes people with injuries like this are not easy to care for, probably because they've been through so much and can't control anything, so they act out. This man was kind and a joy to work with. He was a Christian and shared his faith openly.
After his injury, he worked hard to learn how to draw using a pencil in his mouth. The picture you see above is one he did for me, from a photo I had taken of the Little Au Sable Lighthouse in Pentwater Michigan.
I find it amazing to think this was all done with using his mouth.



 

Do you see the signature? It's signed "in CHRIST, Will".  I've had it for close to 40 years and treasure it.

I don't know if Will is still living, but in searching online, I found this Youtube video where he was interviewed 8 years ago. If you have 10 minutes to watch it, I think you'll find it very interesting.

26 comments:

Debby @ My Shasta Home said...

I watched it. Incredible that he taught himself. Reminds me Joni Eareckson Tada’s story. I can see why that picture is so special for you. Wow, what an amazing God we have!

Debi said...

Wow! What an inspiration Will is! A truly amazing talent. I can see why you treasure that drawing.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my gosh! He is amazing, and the details on his drawing are amazing as well. I just can't imagine being able to do this.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

I did watch the video. A very resilient man who found and used his talent! I have tears 😢 in my eyes. Not tears of sadness but tears of joy. Here is a man who used his God given talent, 🙏 and he shared this talent from his heart ❤️ and gave you such a beautiful gift. It is no wonder that this has a very special place in your heart. God is amazing and this man has a love for God, for others and for his life and using this talent inspires others to do the same. Make the best with what you have.

Susan said...

He is amazing and I was going to say the same about Joni that Debby mentioned. God given talent!

roentare said...

Will’s strength, talent, and faith shine through that artwork, and it’s clear why it holds such a special place in your heart.

Billie Jo said...

My goodness, Mari! That is amazing! What an incredible man. It looks perfect. Thank you for sharing, my friend.

16 blessings'mom said...

I can see why that picture is a treasure, he is truly a thankful man, tried and true.

Happy@Home said...

I can see why that drawing is such a treasure to you. What an amazing story and to think he wasn't an artist before his accident.

Catherine said...

He is really talented !I have watched the video. The drawing he did for you is very nice too. I also love lighthouses. I think I saw a lighthouse staircase on one of your pictures, it is beautiful !

Cathy said...

Thank you for sharing this amazing story Will's drawing.
I like your groupings of photos.

Shug said...

I watched the video and wow!! This is definitely a God given talent and one for which this young man was truly blessed. You are so very blessed as well Mari, to have one of his sketches. I know it holds a very special place in your heart. I sure enjoyed you sharing this with us.

photowannabe said...

Oh my goodness ... what a treasure. I was going to say the same thing about Joni Erickson too. What perseverance and talent. Thank you for sharing it with us. Off to watch it on Youtube.
Sue

Terri D said...

Thanks for including the video, Mari! I really enjoyed seeing him and hearing is amazing testimony. Your drawing is definitely precious. Thanks for sharing this with us. xo

Barbara said...

Yes, I watched the video link you provided. How amazing!

HappyK said...

Wow what an amazing man and artist he is!!! I like too how he shares his faith. Your drawing is a treasure!!!

Michelle said...

I watched the video and what an amazing person.

Prims By The Water said...

That is one amazing drawing. A wonderful story to of determination too. Janice

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hi Mari! That picture from your former patient is truly a precious treasure. Believing in and trying to follow Jesus can truly make all the difference when life gets hard. Thanks for sharing this wonderful drawing. I love how you have changed around the other pictures to make Will's drawing the centerpiece. I will be watching that video about Will as soon as I get a chance. See you again soon!

acorn hollow said...

amazing drawing I will go over to watch the video in a bit.
Cathy

Chatty Crone said...

That was beautiful and he did it with his mouth. And he is a Christian. That is a miracle.

Joyful in His Presence said...

Oh my! I remember you telling me about this picture, but seeing it is so impactful. I am off to watch the video.

Sharon said...

Mari,
Loved this post. All of your Postings are great. Funny thing I had a dream just last night that my husband and I were visiting with you in your state lol
Then when I got online to look at my favorite blogs I remembered my dream.
Isn’t the blog world funny. I feel as though I know you Can you look Will up to see how he is doing? Maybe find him. Have a great week

Jeanette said...

WOW! What an amazing man and what a treasure you have in that picture!

Lowcarb team member said...

A most beautiful drawing... and a very special man.

All the best Jan

Jean said...

How incredibly special and inspiring!!!