Artist Commemorates Big Sacrifices In Baby Steps

Ohio artist Sally Van Nuys-Brown feels a certain connection with the mothers of the heroes of September's terrorist-inspired tragedies -- a connection that only another mother could understand. She wanted to do something to let these mothers know that the lives and the brave footsteps of their precious children -- still babies in their eyes -- will not be forgotten. The result is the "Remember September" vintage baby shoe and commemorative verse . . . celebrating those baby feet that grew to fill a hero's shoes.

Amherst, Ohio -- "Remember September" . . . will anyone ever hear those words again without memories of lives cut short and heroes made on a moment's notice? Sally Van Nuys-Brown hopes she can help people to remember in a positive and pride-filled way. She wants us to remember September 11, 2001 as a day when the lives of good and caring people . . . "everyday heroes," living or dead, can be celebrated.

For every hero . . . for every act of selfless courage and every victim of selfish terrorism, there's a mother . . . a mother who remembers the many baby steps it took to get her child to this point in time . . . a mother who can't forget . . . doesn't want to forget the defining moments that changed her life forever . . . the birth of a child that she loves more than her own life . . . and the very moment that child, now grown, made the decision to protect the lives of others. For the mothers of these everyday heroes, their baby steps were yesterday; but the dangers of the steps ahead weigh heavily on their hearts and minds. Van Nuys-Brown identifies with these mothers . . . women who lovingly raised their children to be caring citizens, and who now must watch and wait and worry while those children fill bigger shoes . . . the shoes of those who watch over America and its people . . . the soldiers, sailors, flyers, guards, firefighters and police . . . ever watchful and protective . . . the guardians of a safe and free society.

As Van Nuys-Brown unveils her commemorative "Remember September" shoe and accompanying verse, she says "I wanted to do something to tell all mothers that whether their child was a victim or a hero on September 11, 2001, that their memories can be proud memories -- that whether they served proudly or died bravely, their children's lives were special. And that as a country, we will always remember them and celebrate their lives, not their deaths. To the mothers who must now watch their children go forward to continue to fight this evil that visited in September, I can only hope they'll find some solace in knowing that their children have taken up a noble cause. They are true heroes in America today . . . those whose footsteps will be remembered in future history books throughout the world. It's those footsteps I want to commemorate in a way that gives a mother something special in which to have pride . . . something she can tangibly cherish."

The "Remember September" verse is printed on commemorative paper that comes as a scroll, but is suitable for matting and framing, if desired. It accompanies an actual vintage baby shoe that Van Nuys-Brown, an accomplished painter of Americana, has painted and preserved to commemorate a day when everyday heroes from every walk of life were called into action all over the country. The "Remember September" shoes can be seen and purchased at The Mermaid's Tale in Amherst, Ohio, or by visiting Van Nuys-Brown's web site, Old Towne Amherst Antiques & Folk Art, http://www.amherst-antiques-folkart.com. A five percent donation from sales of the Remember September" shoes and verse is designated for charities helping in the disaster relief efforts.

"I use vintage baby shoes," states the artist, "because I think it is possible that the feet which once wore those actual shoes might now be the ones wearing our hero's shoes. A mother never knows what she is raising her child to do or become . . . what their mission in life might be. With so many dangers and uncertainties in life, it helps us all to focus on the fact that every little life is one to celebrate . . . every little child needs to be nurtured and raised with pride and care, and that many of our little ones are destined to grow up to quietly and nobly serve and protect mankind. I hope the mothers of today's everyday heroes find comfort and inner peace in having a little piece of art that speaks for the wonderful people they raised. My art, that expresses my empathy with other mothers, is the best I can give those who need to hold these memories dear."

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