My father was one of those who, I believe, had that natural gift.  With very little formal training, he was able to see the world a little differently and put it down on paper "off the top of his head".

While I did not realize the significance of it early on, through my life I saw my fathers gifts, artistic and otherwise, touch many people.  Many times he put a smile on a face, or added warmth to a heart, I learned that these are the true gifts of artistic expression.

I have grown to appreciate and understand the importance of my dad's abilities and the parts of them that he has passed on to me. The contributions people like him make to our world justify the profound loss we feel when they leave us, and help us to understand the importance of carrying on in the same manner with the gifts bestowed upon us.