God winks; A hello from Granny
It wasn’t until after my grandmother passed that I realized she was an artist. Upon the time of her cognitive decline, I had been tasked with the role of executrix and power of attorney to my grandparents will and estate. With that responsibility many truths about my father’s side of the family naturally revealed themselves to me. I was introduced to a trusted advisor of theirs with the understanding that he was to help guide me in ensuring that the wishes for their estate were carried out as intended.
Eventually, the daunting task of sifting through their belongings came, and I happened across several paintings that were all too familiar to me from my childhood. I’d passed by them a thousand times hanging on the walls of my grandparents’ home, never really paying attention to the immaculate detail or signature at the bottom, Annie Crocker.
I was still fairly new to teaching paint parties and only dreaming of being a “real” artist one day. I began to discover more and more paintings that my Granny had done. Some were even in the very home I grew up in! A gorgeous lighthouse! Two rose paintings so detailed it seemed I could pick them right off the canvas! A blooming brilliant landscape of green trees, a fall depiction of orange and yellow leaves, and so many more! All framed, all around me, all my life. Why had I never paid attention? Did someone tell me and I was just too self-absorbed to care? She never mentioned ONE word to me about painting. I never saw a paintbrush or a drop of paint anywhere in her home. All these years, I’d wondered where my artist drive came from and now…now that she’s gone, I was just finding out.
Over time, their advisor became mine as well. Finances and investments were brand spanking new to me, and I didn’t have a clue how to navigate that world, or really even understand the language. I had done my duty of making sure my grandparents estate was fairly distributed and that left me with many questions about what I should be doing with my share. Over the past few years he has been very patient with me when I’ve asked the same questions a million times for clarification and reassurance. At some point during all that back and forth, he joined my email list. Just this past week, the 1st week of November 2025, he responded to an email of mine regarding my Groovy Cactus Collection. He expressed interest in purchasing two pieces, Asleep in the Desert and Tequila Sunrise. I was overjoyed and blown away to say the least! We worked out the logistics, and I met up with him just a few days ago to deliver the art. We visited for a bit, and I learned he had begun helping my grandparents in the mid-90s, almost 30 years ago!
As I drove back home, I couldn’t help but think of my Granny and this chain of events. Her hidden artistic talent, her ability to think ahead and prepare a safety net for her family, and her discernment in choosing an advisor that is honest and true. This full circle moment came by having that same advisor buy my art all these years later. What a long, beautiful, and winding road!
It’s in these rare moments that I feel God’s love. With a little wink and a nod, He gently pats me on the back and says you’re doing alright, kiddo. I believe He collaborated with my Granny for this one. I can see them pull the curtain of the heavenly realm back, just for a moment to peek in with giggles and smiles on that interaction, and say, “See, Jessie, you already KNOW that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
This sale was more than just a sale; it was truly a work of the heart. Now, that the pieces are gone, just like my granny, their meaning is even more sacred than before. Yet another reminder to trust in Yahweh and trust His process. We are all becoming. ✌🏻💖🎨🕊️🕊️🕊️
