I received this noted from Michael Reagan today - only one of so many incredible letters from a family of a Fallen Hero.
God's Speed To You, Mike - for there is a way to go.
Wow! I am tired this morning and have a lot of portraits to do and this letter says why tired just doesn't matter. Love Mike
Subject: Saving the most cherished
Dear Mr. Reagan,
We received the beautiful portrait you did of our son, Spc. James Coon, a few months ago, and I wrote to you to tell you how much it meant to us.
I wanted to write again and tell you just how much. My husband and I moved to a little town called Paradise Calif. in mid April. We had just about finished settling in and deciding where to place all of our mementos of our son, when everything changed in an instant.
4 days ago, we were under an mandatory evacuation order, as the 224,000 acre Humboldt wildfire threatened to take our new home. We had only 15 minutes warning to leave our home and everything behind. The firemen told us that we were to turn on all the lights, close the drapes and leave all the doors unlocked and the garage open. We quickly gathered the few things we consider irreplaceable: Jimmy's dog, his motorcycle, the deed to the house, car keys, and the portrait you gave us.
4 hours later, when we reached safety (just 22 miles away, we phoned family to inform them. The first question from his grandpa was, "Did you get Jimmy's portrait?" You can see it means everything to the whole family.
We were able to return on Father's day and thankfully, our home was saved and nothing was stolen. Jimmy's portrait is back on the wall, and while it was a frightening welcome to our new community, it did serve to remind us of the things we hold most dear. It is said that stuff is just stuff and can be replaced, but not for the families of the fallen, not for us.
I just wanted you to know that your gift is cherished by our family and we are blessed to have it remain in our home and in our hearts. Thank you.
Marie Coon
Michael G. Reagan, Artist/President
"I will never forget"
The Michael G. Reagan Portrait Foundation
www.fallenheroesproject.org
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