Gail Hatter-Crawford's photo of James's painting

Gail was kind enough to send me this photo of a painting made by James which is a portrait of Robert, Gail and their daughter Candice. James based the watercolor painting on a photograph he took of the family posing in front of a mural that Gail and James painted together in their home.

I received a lovely letter in the mail from Gail's father, Bill Hatter, who was concerned that I may not be aware of a post that Gail made on Facebook regarding James and his illness.  Bill sent me a photocopy of the posting which included James's painting.  I was very touched that Gail's father was so thoughtful to send it to me and that they share such a loving father-daughter bond with one another.  It is exactly the sort of serendipity that James would appreciate. 

Here is Gail's post:

"Friends and family, I am asking for something I never ask for. I am asking for your prayers for our friend James Sheehan. Jim is in intensive care in NYC with an aggressive bacteria attacking his body, the result of a delayed root canal. He has had two brain surgeries and the doctors have just isolated the type of bacteria that they needed to fight. Jim is fighting for his life. I am asking everyone to send positive thoughts to Jim and to pray for his life and recovery. His incredible wife and beautiful young daughter need him.  His art community, his friends and family, his students, and everyone in his world needs him.  The world is a better place with him in it. The photo I share here is a personal piece of Jim's art painted for our family. The mural in the background was my vision for a large wall in our Los Banos home. Jim painted the mural for me.  The people are Robert, me, and Candice when she was 9 1/2. I am pregnant with Mason at the time. The picture on the t.v. is me standing on the ridge above the home Robert and I built in Prunedale. Jim is my friend by marriage, Robert's best friend from high school, and Jennie's soul mate. He is a brilliant artistic and gentle soul gracing the world with his presence, beliefs, and art. Please pray hard. He is needed here."

Many kisses and hugs out to Gail and her heartfelt request for love on our behalf.