A Mother's Love, Across Time

Two Original Commissioned Watercolor Portraits | September 2026

Some paintings capture a moment in time. Others capture a moment we wish time had given us.

In 2012, I had the privilege of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro alongside my dear friend Kerri and a remarkable group of cancer survivors and caregivers. Kerri and I were tent-mates on that unforgettable adventure, sharing an experience that would forever connect us. Sadly, Kerri passed away from cancer not long after we returned home.

In September 2026, Kerri's husband, Travis, reached out to commission a watercolor portrait of Kerri and their daughter, Lily. He shared his favorite photograph of the two of them, taken during their last family trip together before Kerri passed away.

It was a beautiful moment worth preserving, and knowing Kerri personally made the opportunity to paint it especially meaningful.

As we explored portrait options, another idea emerged. What if we could capture not only that treasured memory of Kerri and Lily together, but also imagine what a photograph of them might look like today?

In the second portrait, Kerri remains as she was, while Lily has grown older. A mother and daughter together again, in a moment that never existed in a photograph but could be brought to life through art.

We struggled with choosing between the two concepts. Each told such a different and meaningful story that I ultimately decided to paint both.

One painting preserves a treasured memory. The other imagines a moment that time never allowed.

But the story didn't end when the paintings were finished.

Travis handcrafted two beautiful frames using rustic old barn wood he'd saved for years. Kerri had loved rustic, country-style decor, making his choice of materials another loving tribute to her.

He carefully mounted each watercolor between two panes of glass, using UV-protective glass on the front to help preserve the colors while creating a beautiful floating effect. On the backs, he included my signed Certificates of Authenticity, completing two truly one-of-a-kind keepsakes.

When Travis sent me photographs of the finished frames, I was so touched by the thought and care he'd put into presenting the artwork. He shared how grateful he was and how much he was looking forward to giving the portraits as Christmas gifts.

He wrote:

“My favorite part is they are a one of a kind and they have a great story.”

And what a story they have.

These paintings bring together so many things: a family's treasured memories, a father's love for his daughter, a friendship formed on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, and the remarkable ability of art to bring the past and present together.

For me, creating these portraits was deeply personal. Kerri wasn't simply someone whose photograph I was painting. She was my friend. We had shared an extraordinary adventure, and although she is no longer here, the memories of that experience and our friendship remain.

Being able to create something meaningful for her family all these years later was a gift in itself.

My hope is that when Lily looks at these paintings, she sees not only the mother she remembers, but also the mother who would have loved to stand beside her today.

Two paintings. Two moments in time. One love that never ends.

Created with love, in memory of my friend Kerri.

Leslie Berg
Create Joy Studios | 2026