Conner's Gift

A little over a month ago one of Terik's best friends brought over a gift for us, a special gift that he had been making for over 6 months. He said he wanted it to be perfect. He didn't want to give it to us until it was just right. He was leaving for College in Hawaii the next day, so he needed to finish it and give it to us before he left. It was a perfect drawing and it made all of us shed many tears as we looked at it. It was a chalk pastel drawing of Terik looking up into the eyes of the Savior as He reached out in mercy to lift Terik up. He was lifting him from the darkness, from his sorrow and his pain, ready to take him into His arms and embrace him. There is no heartache in Terik's eyes, no shame, no anger, or fear. He was at peace because he knew the Savior. Terik could feel of His love and forgiveness for all of his mistakes and sins. Terik had lived his whole life reaching to the Savior, trying to become like Him, and wanting to please Him and keep all of His commandments. I have no doubt that Terik recognized the Savior when he saw Him.
This amazing pastel bore such a strong resemblance to Terik, it was unmistakable. It was touching to me that Conner, who is a busy 18 year old, would take the time to spend hours and months on a gift for us.  He was graduating from high-school, getting ready to go to college, working. He most likely was trying to enjoy his last few months of being home before moving away, probably for the last time. I'm sure he had many things that he could have been doing. He could have found ways to busy and distract himself from the fact that he had just lost one of his very best friends,who had been his friend from the time they were 8. He could have chosen to avoid his own pain and grief of loosing Terik, but instead he did something that made him think about Terik every single day. He faced the pain and fear. I am sure that even though this was a difficult task, that in the long run it will prove to be a very healing experience for him.

    

Conner's Pastel of Terik

He brought his gift over with a letter and a big hug filled with "LOVE". I asked him if I could share his picture and some of his words here on my blog and he said, "of course".
Here is a little part of his letter where he told of his experience and what inspired him to draw this beautiful piece of artwork.

"After hearing of Terik's passing I was trying to find something happy and hopeful to hold onto. Then the image you see before you entered into my mind. I felt as if I was looking through the eyes of the Savior as He was welcoming Terik into His arms. As soon as the image faded I knew I had to do my best to recreate it."


I could feel the spirit in which Conner drew and presented this gift to us. He was humble and filled with love for Terik and for us. He also was expressing his own love and faith in the Savior Jesus Christ.


I love this picture so much that it has become a focal point in our living room. I wanted my kids input in this decision and so I gave all my girls several different options of what we should put in our living room. They chose this piece of Art.

Our living room

Conner had copies (reproductions) of this picture made for all of Terik's friends in our neighborhood. One of Teriks dear friends sent this message, along with this picture, to his mom. He is serving his mission in Maine.  His mother is one of my good friends and forwarded this onto me.

Brayden's study desk

"Connor brought over the picture he made for you the night before Brayden left on his mission.  They embraced and cried as they talked about Terik and that he would be with both of them on their journeys.  That picture is a treasure to Brayden because it represents the bond he has with both Terik and Connor and it represents the Atonement of Jesus Christ so beautifully.  I wanted you to see this picture of Brayden’s desk in his apartment in Maine where he does all his planning and studying.  That picture of Terik is front and center.  Brayden will always have a special place in his heart for one of his dearest childhood friends. I know Terik's spirit and example will help empower Brayden to boldly testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement which covers everything!"

I am so thankful for so many wonderful friends who loved and continue to love Terik. They blessed his life and continue to bless mine. Today has been a good day. I am thankful when I have a day like today where I can feel peace and a closeness to God and my boy.