This portrait was lovingly painted by Lee Cable, Larissa's uncle.
Lee painted this picture for me after my granddaughter, Larissa,
had died. His only reference were a few photos and his memory
of her. Lee told me that he wanted to paint her as she should
have been, happy and healthy. Larissa's eyes were like a window
into her soul; they said it all. He captured this perfectly.
Lee painted pansys in the background because it brought life
into the picture and he knew she loved being in my garden.

When I look at the painting I feel as if I could almost reach
out and take her in my arms. I can see that impish little girl
I loved so much. I can hear her voice. And for a few short
moments I can pretend she is still with me. We can walk thru
my garden picking Johnny Jump Ups and peppermint leaves and
popping them into our mouths. We can chase the butterflies.
I can watch as she swings high into the sky on the swing,
giggling merrily as she goes higher and higher.

I can see her with flour smudged on her face after a cookie
baking session. And I can smell those chocolate chip and sugar
cookies baking in the oven. I can hear the excitement in her
voice and see it in her eyes as she plans her next get together.
I want to say to her, "Let's go shopping." And she will make a
list of all the things she will buy. I can see those eyes light
up when she hears her cousin, Jordan, is coming. And together
we can listen to her favorite music, the Backstreet Boys, N Sync, and
98 Degrees. Sometimes I have a chat with her as we so often did
while she visited with me.

It's amazing the comfort this painting has brought me and for this
I will always be grateful. Thank You, Lee, for giving me a window
to happy memories. Your painting is a priceless gift I will
cherish, always.

* To see the full size image Click Here

* To see more of Lee's artwork Click Here