02/20/2017
This was a very very special project. I hope that my work touches peoples hearts, but every once and again, it is my own heart that is truly touched.
Brenda approached me about doing a frame for her husband. She herself had been gifted a frame and her husband's admiration of her frame prompted Brenda to commission a frame for him as a Valentine's Day gift.
Sargent Jackson had recently taken a job with Gadsden County helping veterans. She wanted the frame to adorn his new office. Obviously it had to be somewhat masculine but given that it was a Valentine's Day gift, there was a certain soft side to the project as well. She provided me with the newspaper article and the four pictures you see showcased on the frame. When I met with Brenda, she mentioned how much Sargent Jackson loved his country and clearly by the pictures, he loved his wife as well. Thus the theme of "My Two Loves" was born.
After reading the article, there were certain elements I just knew had to be included on the frame. Hence the patches for the Army, 101st Airborne Division and the 82nd Airborne Division. Unbeknownst to Brenda she herself provided the "quote" for the frame or the "Army Values" when she mentioned these were all qualities her husband encompassed. She requested the "Soldier's Prayer" be added as well which was indeed the perfect touch. Finally, I quoted Sargent Jackson himself when he said "helping veterans was an honor."
While this frame may have been for Sargent Jackson, by the end, it was I who truly felt grateful to him, not only for his service but for the deep and abiding love he clearly has for his fellow military brethren, veterans and country.
This was not a frame or theme I had ever done before. I am grateful to Brenda for encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone and to challenge myself and to Sargent Jackson, whom I have never met, but feel a kinship with regardless.