On September 27, 2016, Don and Jeanne Weaver from St. David’s by the Sea, Cocoa Beach, displayed 21 original paintings of their son Todd for an event presented by the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation. The event was held to thank donors of the Memorial to the Fallen at Lake Nona.

Todd Weaver was deployed to Afghanistan in May 2010 as a platoon leader. By early August, he took over an artillery combat platoon. On September 9, 2010, Todd was killed when the Taliban attacked his outpost.

Jeanne Weaver, an accomplished oil painter, was so grieved by the loss of her son that she didn’t touch a paintbrush for more than four months. Then she realized she could best honor Todd’s memory by painting a series about his life and service. Within one year, Jeanne had completed 21 oil paintings. These were displayed for two months at the Muscarelle Museum of Art on the campus of the College of William & Mary, Todd’s alma mater.

After the display, Jeanne began talking with Muscarelle about creating a book of art and reflections. Soon, Losing Todd: A Mother’s Journey to Finding Peace in My Heart, was published. Jeanne’s artwork has been displayed throughout the country in many venues. Her tragedy has also turned into a blessing for those who have a fallen soldier in their family.

To read more about Losing Todd, please visit www.losingtoddamothersjourneyfindingpeaceinmyheart.com/.