This piece is the result of the agony I experienced from losing my father in a tragic accident. The story is devastating, but a miracle brought us comfort. My father's body was lost to the ocean after the accident, but we are humbled that God allowed a spectacular miracle to occur. Long story short, hope was lost that we would recover my father's body. However, as my mother waited on the beach (as she felt that Dad was calling to her in her heart), she saw TWO SEA LIONS swimming Dad's body into the shore! Each one had Dad by each arm and gently pushed him into the surf of the beach...directly to my awaiting mother. Only when my Dad's body was pulled onto the beach did the sea lions swim back into their habitat.

I will be forever grateful to these gentle creatures for participating in God's miracle for us. As I began painting on this canvas, I used the paint as an emotional outlet for my pain. As the painting progressed, I noticed that a sweet sea lion began to emerge. I had no plans on painting a sea lion...I didn't know I knew how to paint one!

We miss you, Dad, and love you so very much.