A model son's birthday

This photo, taken eleven years
ago, shows how we tidied up
Sam's room when we had
to show the house to get
a loan. Sam van Schaik Muir,
our son was the model for these
paintings and many others.
The room is no longer this 
colour, and Sam moved out
years ago.
Photo and paintings are
© Barbara Muir

I don’t really think of my son Sam as a model for my art, but it is amazing
to me how many paintings I’ve done of him. Tomorrow is his birthday, and
once again, like every year on this day, I am filled with memories of his life
so far, which I think has been a pretty great one. I'm so grateful that he came
into our lives on this coming day. 

He is kind, funny, and over-the-top generous. He's a great writer, an actor,
an IT whiz. Plus he’s happy and in love with his beautiful girlfriend, Emily.

In the past year because of COVID we have met Sam and Emily, and Sam
alone on our back porch many times, and those visits have made this 
strange time much happier.  I wish Sam a wonderful year, and we
will see him (social distanced) for some birthday magic tomorrow.

We are lucky to have two wonderful sons and a great family.