On June 5th 1993 our little girl was born. She was like many new babies, cute and healthy. We were thrilled to have her in our lives. At age one, Brittany was not doing some of the developmental skills most children would have accomplished by then. The doctor noticed a slight weakness in her muscle development. She went through months of testing and at 15 months we were told she had Spinal Muscular Atrophy, (a form of muscular dystrophy), and that she would be dead by age two. Our lives were changed immediately. We decided to give Brittany the most normal life possible. She has touched more lives then I could ever have imagined.

One day Brittany asked me "When will I walk Mommy"? I explained the resurrection to her, but it was hard for a 3 year old to understand. So I helped by painting a picture in her mind of her running to the Saviors arms. I thought it would be a great idea to have a picture done of Brittany and the Savior - but the thought would come and go.

Four years later my cousin and I were in a bookstore and came across some Jean's drawings of the Savior with children. I loved these pictures and proceeded to tell my cousin how I had this picture in my mind of Brittany, and that now I wish I could have Jean Keaton draw this for me. But I did not know were to even start to find her. Right then this lady came around the comer and said, "I think you need to have this done, and my sister lives by Jean". I could not believe what she just said. I called her sister who in turn gave me Jeans phone number. When I talked with Jean she said she would like to meet with me and would enjoy doing this for our family.

We took many pictures of Brittany and her wheels. Then Jean put her wonderful drawing ability to work. When Jean brought the picture over I could not put words to how I felt. To see Brittany running in the picture; her leg lifted, her hair blowing, and her dress moving as she ran. To see her so free and running to the Saviors arms made it complete. It was perfect! Brittany has a little print she carries around with her everywhere. I can't imagine what her mind is thinking seeing herself running and not in her wheelchair. Brittany loves looking at the picture. She said to me "Mom, I can't wait to go to heaven, I want to go right now!"

What a peaceful feeling to know that when that day comes the reunion will be sweet. Brittany's Mom --- -----------

Brittany is almost ten years old. At this point in time, Brittany's family has been blessed to have her with them eight years longer than doctors predicted.