A Momentary Separation - United in the Joy That Awaits

This pastel painting was inspired by a mutual friend’s dream of my late sister, Tracie, who passed away from earth-life in 2020. It captures the bittersweet reality of earthly loss, paired with the joyful hope of eternal reunion.  In the dream, Tracie walked ahead of our friend Hannah and although Hannah called to her, all she could do to acknowledge her was to glance backward with a smile —she was healed, joyful, and alive, and absolutely could not wait a moment to  enter Heaven — her smile glancing back spoke of hope and reunion. 

Moved by the profound peace and encouragement that my friend's dream brought me, I created this piece as a tribute to the enduring promise that our temporary separation is but a prelude to eternal joy. It is a joyful reminder to me as I walk this strange, new chapter of life without my best friend.  I'm so grateful that our separation is only temporary and that Heaven is a gift from God—received through faith and love—where Tracie now lives in the perfect joy of eternity.

I intended her glimpse backward to "speak" these words:  "I'm so excited to go! Don't worry - I will see you again!"

This piece also represents the dispelling of the lie of 'soul sleep', brought to life by the words of Jeshua, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43) The artwork is intended to comfort those who are grieving, reminding them that in Jeshua, death is only a temporary separation, especially considering the brevity of a human life on earth. There is a world far more real that the earthly life we currently live.  Working on this piece was a labour of love and brought further healing to me.