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About the author JEANIE BONDY
Jeanie and her husband, David, are lifelong friends of Jimmy and Susan. They reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and remain close friends of the Goudeaus as they travel life’s journey with them. They have the privilege of being Claire’s godparents. Jeanie felt called by God to write For Heaven's Sake about little Claire and her family in hopes it would bring them peace and focus them on Christ’s inexpressible love for them.
Jeanie serves on the education staff at St. Aloysius Catholic school in Baton Rouge. Her love of children, and her love of the Lord, have kept her in this position since 2004. |
About the artist NANCY RATCLIFF SMITH
April 1, 1942-May 1, 2010
Nancy Ratcliff Smith was an accomplished artist. New visitors to her home were immediately drawn from room to room as they embarked upon a “tour” of the intricate artwork on display throughout her home on Duck Pond Plantation. From wall murals, to paintings, to handmade birthday cards, her true spirit and soul came alive in her artwork. It was clear to see what was important to her by viewing her paintings of family, of nature, and of her spirituality.
April 1, 1942-May 1, 2010
Nancy Ratcliff Smith was an accomplished artist. New visitors to her home were immediately drawn from room to room as they embarked upon a “tour” of the intricate artwork on display throughout her home on Duck Pond Plantation. From wall murals, to paintings, to handmade birthday cards, her true spirit and soul came alive in her artwork. It was clear to see what was important to her by viewing her paintings of family, of nature, and of her spirituality.
Nancy began the tradition of her annual “Woods Walk” in 1993, the year her father died. On Christmas Eve she would walk her grandchildren along a candlelit path, through the woods, to a crèche that she created. As the children sat in awe of the holy scene, Nancy would tell them the story of the birth of the Christ child. In honor of Nancy’s memory, the family continues the tradition each year.
When asked to create the cover for the book “For Heaven’s Sake” authored by her sister, Jeanie, Nancy did not hesitate. After reading the story it was Nancy’s “vision” to draw Claire’s angel taking her to heaven. Nancy wrote this in a letter to her sister:
May 21, 2001
"I hope this painting will work with your beautiful story. God must have been guiding your hand when you wrote Claire’s story. You captured the mysterious and spiritual world in a happy and joyous way. Drawing angels as a subject is my favorite theme, however, I must admit this particular drawing was heart wrenching. I had chills most of the time I was working. The border I copied from Tasha Tudor’s “The Lord’s Prayer”. Since we all admire her work so much I thought it was appropriate.”
When asked to create the cover for the book “For Heaven’s Sake” authored by her sister, Jeanie, Nancy did not hesitate. After reading the story it was Nancy’s “vision” to draw Claire’s angel taking her to heaven. Nancy wrote this in a letter to her sister:
May 21, 2001
"I hope this painting will work with your beautiful story. God must have been guiding your hand when you wrote Claire’s story. You captured the mysterious and spiritual world in a happy and joyous way. Drawing angels as a subject is my favorite theme, however, I must admit this particular drawing was heart wrenching. I had chills most of the time I was working. The border I copied from Tasha Tudor’s “The Lord’s Prayer”. Since we all admire her work so much I thought it was appropriate.”
