Danielle's mom Cecilia was hoping to work on a decorating project together with her daughter in the event that her breast cancer would win the battle. Danielle loved Lilo and Stitch, so they decided to go Hawaiian in her room. Wow! What a blessing it was to work on this in a custom home on such a work of love! And such a blessing for me as my friend Cecilia was braving chemo during and after this project. She had just found out that her breast cancer had returned for the third time, when she asked me to paint the mural. I'd prayed that I could finish it to give Cecilia and Danielle some comfort, and peace of mind. I figured that they could both lie down on Danielle's bed and imagine the cool breeze blowing off the ocean. Cecilia went to be with the Lord exactly seven months later, and Danielle has this to remember her as a daily reminder of her precious mom. Click here to get a copy of Deborah's Inside Tracy Magazine article about the healing power of art.

The students in Sra. Osorio's class had been going through the greiving process and Principal, Ms. Dora Contreras felt that a mural would help everyone to process their grief. Painting for the children is really fulfilling, as they learn art appreciation. And storytelling is also a passion of Deborah's as it brings a child's imaginations to life! This whole experience was an "'AaaaHaaaaa!' moment" for Deborah, and such a blessing! Click here to read Deborah's Inside Tracy"article about the healing power of art.