For this piece, Walking Into the Light, I added an extra baby elephant as a special birthday gift for my younger son. He is navigating mental-health challenges, and I wanted this joyful, energetic little elephant to remind him of his own inner spirit — playful, strong, and full of life. Painting this felt like sending him a quiet message of hope and love.

The spirited, curious little elephant is you —

as you were when you were small,

full of laughter, wonder, and light.

 

That same spirit is still within you now —

the joy, the courage, the curiosity of life

that has always been yours.

It has never left;

it only waits for you to feel it again.

The big elephant represents Dad and me,

watching with love and strength.

Another follows close behind,

steady and true.

Wherever your path may lead,

remember —

you are never alone.