A few weeks ago I had a very surreal experience. I went for a run and while listening to my iPod, “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban started to play. Not only is this a beautiful song and incredibly pertinent for right now, this is also the song that my dear friend Sass (Sarah Stuart (van Lingen)) walked down the aisle to. Sass died tragically 2.5 years ago leaving her husband, family and 2 beautiful boys behind. The song was playing loudly in my ears and my entire mind and body were filled with the words of this wonderful song.

I almost felt like I was hovering outside of my body, closer to heaven than earth. I had this incredibly vivid image which filled me, of Sass walking with my 2 children in heaven – holding Thomas on her left hip and holding Bella by the hand, walking through a field of yellow flowers (sunflowers or daffoldils) with their backs to us. I had both a sense of deep and devastating grief as well as huge peace, calm and contentment. I really had this overwhelming feeling that she is looking after our 2 children and that all 3 of them are happy.

With very little guidance from me, I asked a friend and amazing artist, Mel Elliott if he could try to bring to life in a painting what I had seen. And this is what he did, in the most magnificent way possible. The painting is now hanging pride of place in our home, for everyone to see. It has added a huge sense of calm and lightness to our home. Thank you Mel for being able to use your talent in such an amazing way!

You Raise Me Up – by Josh Gropban