Knock, Knock, Knockin' on Heaven's Door

It was a year ago, January 5th, that our family said goodbye to Jim.  Jim was my sister, Becky's, husband and a dear friend to me.  Becky asked me about creating an illustration of him as he entered heaven.  She had one idea for the doodle—I had another.  She let me go with my idea.

The death of a dear friend and loved one is not an easy subject to tackle as a cartoon—it is such a serious subject. Cartoons, obviously, tend to be more appropriate for humorous situations.  But how could I refuse my sister?

Once I got started the doodle went easier than I first thought it would.  This is not the first time that I've drawn Jim.  I created a birthday tribute to him back in September of '08.

Jim is a great guy, and after a 6.5 year battle with cancer he has received his reward.

I asked Becky to write a response so that I could add it to this post.  She was kind enough to send me this response.

Dear Rick,

My mind and my heart are overwhelmed tonight with missing Jim. I can hear him struggling for breath in my thoughts. I can see him trying to live even though his time here had come to an end. I pictured the Lord standing before him in those last seconds literally saying to him, "JIM! Come forth!"

When I asked you to draw me a picture to give to Jim's mom for Christmas, I envisioned you drawing a picture of him in a track suit, having made it to the finish line at the feet of Jesus. He would have looked exhausted but done with the race on earth. I saw him kneeling at Jesus' feet and the Lord pronouncing, "Well done good and faithful servant." But you had another idea and ultimately, I thought whatever was inspiring you would be what was best. I had no idea it would move me so profoundly.

When I first saw the picture, I was a well of tears. (I still am) You chose to picture Jim with all his hair back, with a anticipatory grin on his face and with an excitement in his demeanor. Even the angel was excited about what would take place. I really can't describe what that meant to me. I needed a picture of him that was whole again! He was so exhausted from his cancer battle when he died. It has been hard to get that picture out of my mind. The picture you drew has helped me with that.

I loved the picture so much I had you make several copies. I gave one each to the girls, one to Jim's brother and the original to Jim's folks. Everyone cried when they opened their picture. Dena told me that night that a couple weeks ago while she was at the mall, she had written a note to "Santa" and put it in a drop box. She told "Santa" she wanted to see her daddy for Christmas. She said her wish was granted with that picture.

Jim's mom called me Saturday and told me she was overwhelmed at seeing the picture. She said it is just what she needs to help her when she thinks of Jim in heaven.

Rick - you know I have always loved your artwork. It graces my walls throughout my house. But this is a masterpiece. Everyone who sees it is moved by the scene. It is my favorite Christmas gift. It was the hit and the tear-jerker of Christmas for us all.

I love you,

Becky

PS - And I know Jim is pleased to know the Egg-man made it to heaven with him.

I am so glad that everyone seemed to like the illustration.  I am honored to be asked to do it, and it is a point of pride that one of my creations brought so many tears of joy.  And, by the way, this isn't the first time that Eggy has made it to heaven.


Love ya!!

Gator Bait

When Jennifer ordered an illustration of her son she also wanted an illustration that is destined for some t-shirts some day. Being big Florida Gator fans, and not so fond of the Ohio Buckeyes, she requested this illustration...

Since the Gators are playing for the National Championship this week (I think) I'm sure that there will be people gathered around Jennifer's T.V. to cheer on their team.

By the way Jennifer, I was born in Oklahoma.

Also, Jennifer was kind enough send some photos of the unveiling, and to tell me about her son's reaction to his caricature.

She wrote me and said...

"Christmas morning was a ton of fun. We saved your drawing for last and when my son opened it he says (and I quote), "oh wow... how cool. Mom!! How did you get a black Tebow?? Oh wait... oh MY GOD THAT'S ME!!!!" And then tons of laughing/blushing ensued. He was so completely in shock and super surprised. Even still he will come to me and say, "Mom did you tell him to put (fill in the blank here) in the picture. I can't believe Rick though of that." Thank you again for doing this for us. I'll send you pics of it in his room as soon as we finish. We are late getting it finished as we all celebrating in the season of giving/sharing and have given each other the flu. Oh yea... and he JUST found the "extra eggy" a day or so ago"

That was a fun e-mail to get.

Thanks Jennifer. I always love the follow up reports. The pics are great. I love them!!!

Tell your son that I think he's going to make a great Gator someday. And that I hope we can still be friends after the bowl game.

Slowly I'm getting "Doodlenormous" request sent out. I'm looking forward to getting feedback on those. Also, I am hearing from the prize winners of my giveaway. Their choices have been interesting and I plan to update you on that in the near future.

On a sad note, some of you may remember my birthday tribute to my dear brother-in-law, Jim. After a 6.5 year battle with cancer, Jim left this world for the next very early last Monday morning. Family and friends will be gathering on Friday to pay tribute to this great guy. Your prayers are appreciated as my sister Beck, and her girls, deal with this loss.

Life goes on people—from this life to the next. Jim has finally been healed and for that I am very grateful.

I love you Jim and miss you already.

Happy Birthday Jimmy Boy!

Say hello to my Bro-In-Law, Jim. He turns 48 today! Some of you doodle fans may remember the little birthday notice I gave his wife, my sister, Becky back in March.

I feel that I should tell you that Mr. James has been fighting a six year battle with stupid cancer. Lately, they've had some bad news on this front, and so I wanted to make his celebration a little brighter by posting this doodle of him here.

Jim is the pastor of a church in Hood River, Oregon. The Scripture reference is entirely appropriate for a guy that's been undergoing chemo for six years. Look it up and you'll see.

Apparently Jim-bo reads my blog religiously. (Pun intended) He's probably the only family member that does. (Even my own daughers!!!) So, if you leave him a birthday greeting I'm sure he'll see it, and it will make this special day all that much merrier.

Happy birthday Jimmy Boy!! (How many different ways can I misuse your name?) I hope you have a great day. Tell that dumb cancer to go away. We're all praying for you.

Your Favorite Bro-In-Law (Despite what my brothers may say.)

Rickie-poo