Charitable Contributions

Home and family were always important to my firstborn son, Army Sgt. A. Joseph Derrick, and his abiding concern for all families, military and civilian, was a part of his daily life.  Joseph, an MP with the 411th MP Company, FT. Hood, Texas, gave his live for our country while serving in Baghdad on September 23, 2005.

While navigating down my grief-filled road, I have started to paint from the numerous digital photographs that I found among my son's personal effects.  I chose to paint 'Calling Home' because of the images that speak to me in so many ways:  the barren environment; the concrete barriers riddled with bullet holes; the bright, hot sun and little shade; the empty water bottle cast aside; and, most of all, the lone, young American soldier halfway around the world and far from all things familiar, cradling in his hands his cell phone - the lifeline to the family and friends back home he dedicates his life to serving.

To honor Joseph's memory, and the service of all who serve our country so far from home, I am donating the net proceeds from each GICLEÉ print of 'Calling Home', 'No Greater Love', 'Night Watch II', 'Waiting', and 'Mosque at Mosul' to charitable organizations that support and assist our military and their families.

Each 9 x 12 GICLEÉ print on 12 x 15 artist quality watercolor paper is signed by the artist.  They are available unframed ($50.00 plus 7% sales tax +S/H).  You can purchase a giclee print from this site, contact Suzy through the contact page on this web site, or call her directly at 803-429-4778. 

I chose to paint 'No Greater Love' because it represents to me the love Joseph had for his family, his country and his fellow soldiers and the love Joseph's military family has for him.   While It speaks of intense sorrow, it also speaks of the hope we have in knowing that we will see him again and be reunited as a family when we join him in Heaven.  It also signifies the great love of country and the incredible sacrifices our men and women who serve make so that we here at home can continue to enjoy living in freedom.    John 15:13 was the inspiration for the title:  'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'  This was painted during Holy Week of this year and knowing how dearly loved my son was by his military family, which is also my family, was a source of strength and healing for me. 

I thank Del for allowing me to paint him in this setting....

I am currently working on two additional paintings - 'Jones' and 'Peace Through Strength'.  Gicleé Prints to follow soon.  If you are interested in purchasing, please email me - suzy@suzyshealy.com.  Thank you.