The Gift He Painted in Gratitude

This is Larry.

Larry is Native American and served four years in Vietnam, where he was shot and stabbed several times. He survived wounds most of us could never imagine and has carried those memories for a lifetime.

Recently, Larry spent several weeks in the hospital. During that time, a chaplain came to his room every day and often stayed for a couple of hours, simply talking with him and offering comfort. She especially loved his painting of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Now that Larry is home, he is painting one especially for her.

After everything he has endured, this is the man Larry remains—an artist, a veteran, and someone who remembers kindness and returns it with kindness of his own. It was an honor to photograph him and the gift taking shape beside him.