Category: Blog

I have been asked many times why I painted the Tiger… what it means… and how I came to know Jacqueline ‘Tiger’ Durand. I have been touched deeply by Jacqueline’s grace, strength, courage and love, and want to share her story. It all started last year. I was speaking with my friend and mentor, Lance Adams, right after the Christmas holiday, I asked how his holiday had been. He responded that it wasn’t good – something terrible had happened. And then he shared the tragic events one of his close friends was living through, the result of a recent shocking accident. His close friend’s 22 year old daughter (Jacqueline Durand) had just been critically injured in an unfortunate dog attack on December 23, right before Christmas. She was in a coma fighting for her life.

The story hit home for me… and I began to inquire on how she was progressing, how everyone close to her was doing. This was a shocking, life altering experience for all. Lance told me she had a nickname ‘Tiger’ … and shared that he was using that nickname in his daily messages to her of love and encouragement.

A few days later I joined the efforts of many and wrote a letter to Jacqueline… knowing it would be read to her while she remained unconscious, but fully believing she would hear my words of encouragement. In that letter to Jacqueline I let her know that people around the world, complete strangers, are thinking about her, in her corner and sending prayers for her recovery.

Weeks later, Jacqueline did wake up! I will attempt to relay a story I was told, which speaks to the inspiration of ‘Tiger Strong!’ In one of the first communications upon her waking up, Jacqueline’s father said something like, “Jacqueline, you will get through this. You have the strength and courage of a Lion… ” And, she responded, correcting him (via a writing board as she was still unable to speak verbally) ‘…No, I am a Tiger!‘ And as a tiger she has carried herself … ‘Tiger Strong!’

From the time Jacqueline started communicating, I have been completely humbled and blown away by Jacqueline’s expression of love, faith and courage. In my early communications with her I found myself humbled to tears. Her positive attitude, steadfast Faith and ability to stay focused on moving forward while experiencing what would have broken many others. What Inspires and Amazes me is how she has turned this accident and her long and painful path of recovery into something where she actively gives to others, sharing her story, encouraging them! And she has used this accident to only strengthen her spirit and love for others and animals.

I decided within a few days of her awakening, that I would to paint a ‘Tiger’ for her… and I wanted it to be a meaningful one- something she can look at and know that people care and love her. And that she is amazing!. One day in June in the studio, as I looked at a canvas, I knew the inspiration was here… it was the right canvas and time for Jacqueline’s tiger, ‘Tiger Strong.’ I began painting. I will transparently and humbly share that this painting felt Inspired 🙏🏻 as it came to life on the canvas in front of me. I continued painting without stop until later that evening-when Pablo ‘the Apprentice’ had grown weary of his patience and urged me to take him home to eat dinner. I left hesitantly, thinking the painting needed a little more work. I returned early next morning to the studio, took a look and as I saw it, I knew it was finished. Turns out, ‘Pablo the Apprentice’ has a gift as well, and he knew it was finished as it was – the night before! I immediately loved the painting,

I signed the painting with a video message to Jacqueline- deciding this is how I would let her know about the painting. Hoping it would bring her strength and uplift her spirits in some way. She at this point did not know who I was or that I had been following her story via Lance and the media for months . (See Below to Watch the Video) I sent the video to Lance, who called after he watched it – both of us broken down in tears. He arranged a surprise way to give it to Jacqueline. And once we had all processed it, reacted, he arranged my first meeting to be introduced to Jacqueline. From that day, Jacqueline, who is one of my greatest inspirations and a testament to human strength, courage and love, become a friend. And she now has the painting original in her room ❤️💜❤️.

Jacqueline remains a HERO to me and many… I seek to introduce her story to those who don’t yet know – and facilitate her ability to inspire you with her wonderful testament of love, faith, strength and true beauty. She has begun to share her story, through the media, directly, publicly, through a variety of mediums and has interest across the globe. She intends to continue to inspire others through her journey- and knows it is one of the reasons she is here… to show that no matter what happens, you can survive, and you can do it with grace and love. She is truly an amazing woman.

Please help cheer her on along her journey of healing. Jacqueline has many surgeries ahead… and so far has gone through them with the beautiful courage of a Tiger! ‘Tiger Strong!’

Please join me in supporting Jacqueline along her journey💜. She has come a long way – and still has a long way to go. A portion of all proceeds from ‘Tiger Strong ‘ will help fund her long road ahead – her recovery journey. AMR💜