A Wing & A Prayer

The Wing on the Prayer: A Story of Love, Loss, and Divine Connection

Some moments in life remind us that God is always at work, weaving beauty out of brokenness. This is one of those stories—one that has touched my heart in ways I’ll never forget.

On Christmas Day in 2018, I lost CC, my childhood best friend, my soul sister. We had been inseparable since elementary school—both military brats who understood the transient life of constant moves, new beginnings, and holding tight to friendships that mattered. We reunited in high school while our families were stationed in Germany, stood by each other’s side as bridesmaids, and through all of life’s twists and turns, we stayed connected.

CC was a fighter—a cancer survivor who, alongside her husband Larry, raised three incredible sons through the gift of adoption. Her sudden passing from the flu was unimaginable, leaving a deep void in all of our hearts.

Just a few months before she left this world, CC was one of the very first people to purchase my glass art—a whimsical pumpkin, something lighthearted and joyful, just like her spirit. I had no idea then how deeply my art would intertwine with her story, even after she was gone.

An Unexpected Request, A Divine Inspiration

Later, CC’s husband, Larry, found himself involved in another adoption—this time, supporting a young mother making the brave decision to place her baby boy with a loving family. In the midst of this emotional journey, Larry reached out to me.

“Would you make something for her?” he asked.

I prayed about it. What could I possibly create that would speak to a mother’s love, her sacrifice, and the tenderness of this moment? Then, it came to me: two delicate teacups overflowing with forget-me-not flowers. I carefully cut a glass teacup in half, shaping the piece with intention, and underneath, I scribed the words:

"You are loved."

I could only hope it would bring her comfort. But what happened next was nothing short of divine.

A Message That Took My Breath Away

Not long after, Larry received a message from the young mother, Jessie, who had just opened the gift:

Hello Mr. Larry! This is Jessie! I just got the beautiful broken glass art and HAD to text you because the gift is not only beautiful, but totally in line with something God was talking to me about TODAY.

I've been journaling throughout this whole experience, and today I wrote a journal entry I titled "Broken Glass." I wrote about how God has taught me about the art He creates with broken things, and how I felt like He had been collecting the shattered pieces of my life and turning them into something beautiful. And then I opened this gift!

I'm at a loss for words. I love it. Thank you so, so, so much. I have such a deep thankfulness for you and your role in this journey. Your prayers, support, and love have meant the world to me, and have given me so much courage. I will cherish this gift—this beautiful artwork made from broken glass—for my whole life.

Tears streamed down my face as I read her words.

This was more than just art. This was a message straight from God’s heart to hers. A reminder that He takes what is broken and makes it beautiful. That nothing is ever truly lost in His hands. That love never fades, even when we say goodbye.

To this day, this story remains one of the most profound experiences of my journey as an artist. It is a testament to how God moves through the work of our hands, turning something as simple as shattered glass into a reflection of His grace, healing, and unfailing love.

And for that, I am forever grateful. 💙