And the winner is...

Sharon Zambito of Mandeville, LA! Congratulations, Sharon, on winning the Art for Aidan Raffle! And we thank EVERYONE for their incredible generosity in regard to Aidan. Continue praying for his recovery, and follow his story at www.prayforaidan.com. THANK YOU!

Water Safety

I found a website, among many, that list tips for water safety. Everyone, at one time or another, has been preoccupied when there was water - and children - around. Don't take any situation lightly. I believe I used to be more casual about this sort of thing before Russell and Erin Wright tried to get the word out about water safety. I've changed drastically because they've shared so much wisdom in regard to this.

Read the tips on this website closely. You think you're pretty safe? Read them anyway.

This July, we went to my parent's house. There were kids running around from age one to age nine. We had filled an inflatable pool with water in the back yard. Brett and I decided that one of us would be watching (literally watching, not just "around" the area) at all times. The kids had a blast (and so did Brett, as evidenced below).



But we did not take one moment for granted - we took the advice we'd been given, and those kids were not near the water without eyes on them, not for a second.

As soon as they all lost interest in the water, Brett said, "Let's empty it." And we did. Immediately. Water time was over. Take the extra minute to think of these things, to always be vigilant.

Heroes

From Brett:

"Anyone who knows me, knows of my deep love, concern and compassion for children. Anyone who’s known me long enough, will know that I’ve had a life-long interest in heroes. I spent most of my youth desperately wanting to be a superhero, to genuinely fight for those in need. I’ve learned that while we may not have superpowers, even a small action can be heroic, can make a real difference. And I can truly think of few things more heroic than coming to the aid of a child in need."

And that's what you're doing when you buy a raffle ticket - helping a child in need.

Portrait

Brett is an amazing, versatile, talented artist - you may think I'm biased because I'm married to the guy, but really, his body of work is astounding.

When I was 12, my parents bought a Border Collie. We named him Reggie. There is no way to describe our love for this dog. He was like a brother to me. We played basketball together (he was very good at defense). He played soccer with me while I mowed the lawn (placed the ball directly in my path so I was forced to kick it out of the way). When my sister and I left the nest, he remained, keeping my parents company.

Reggie was my buddy through the largest parts of my life - from childhood to adulthood. I was a goofy 12 year-old middle-schooler when we got him; 26 and engaged when he passed away. Reggie moved with us three times, to three different states. And he's the only dog my family ever owned. The only dog we ever needed to own.

Two Christmases after he died, Brett presented my mom and dad with one of the best gifts ever. Better than anything my sister and I ever gave them! When they opened it, they cried. (My dad, smiling, claimed his allergies were just bothering him.) Using charcoal and conte crayon, on a beautiful dark brown paper, Brett drew a portrait of Reggie.

What we all said that morning, and a million times since, is that it's not a drawing of a Border Collie. It is a drawing of Reggie. It's him! Brett somehow captured our buddy, not just a generic dog. Every time we look at it we feel like he might bark for the soccer ball.

Buy some raffle tickets, and have Brett draw your best buddy.

A Thanks and an Update

A big, heartfelt thanks to everyone who forwarded the press release to additional friends and family, and to those who already bought raffle tickets!

If you have any questions about the ticket purchasing process, please post a comment here - we will be happy to help.

The most recent prayer requests for Aidan and his Mom (Erin), Dad (Russell), and little brother (Evan) are as follows:

• Pray that Aidan continues to improve and that they can get things together to further pursue G-Therapy
• Also, pray they can find a house to rent that is the right price and has everything setup to meet their needs

Thanks again and keep spreading the word! Raffle tickets start at $5, but you may purchase as many as you like... more chances to win, more help for Aidan.

Official Press Release

Hey everyone. I am holding a raffle to benefit Aidan Wright. Aidan is a 3 year-old boy in North Carolina who was in a near-drowning accident days before his second birthday. Aidan has suffered brain damage, and the Wright family has spent the past year caring for him day and night. They are so thankful to have their little guy alive, knowing that for a time he was not expected to survive. There are daily challenges and mounding medical costs, and they need help.

Please read more about Aidan at his blog: http://www.prayforaidan.com/ Scroll down the left side of the page and read “Aidan’s Story”, and chose any post to learn more about his daily life.

As the prize, I am offering commissioned art. I will work with the holder of the winning raffle ticket on a drawing of a subject of their choice. I work with any of the following materials: pencil, ink, charcoal, watercolor, design markers or conte crayon and will draw an image in a basic setting, or a portrait, up to 11”x14”, suitable for standard-sized framing.

Some general examples would be:

• A drawing based on photos of your great-grandfather’s general store or your family farmhouse before it was torn down.
• An illustration of a baseball and glove with a favorite team logo for your son’s room. A portrait of a loved one, or beloved family pet.
• A drawing of your favorite superhero or character from film or television.

Again, I will work with the raffle ticket holder to arrive at a final piece that will be treasured. You may see samples of my work at http://www.brettbarkley.deviantart.com/

And I will answer any questions you may have at: artforaidan@gmail.com

Raffle tickets are available through Paypal at $5 for one, $10 for three or $20 for seven. However, you may purchase as many tickets as you like. I will be sent an email with your ticket numbers. The ticket numbers will be randomly generated and a winner will be drawn on August 31, and announced on September 1.

ALL proceeds from the raffle will go directly to Aidan’s medical care. The art will be discussed with the winner, and delivered no later than December 31, 2009.

Purchasing raffle tickets is simple. Go to http://www.prayforaidan.com/, on the left you will see “Art for Aiden Raffle” and a drop-down menu. Chose your number of chances and click “Add to Cart.” Please help little Aidan get the ongoing treatments he needs so he will someday be fully healed.