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SANDY — Eighty-year-old Joel Venus was a professional artist for more than 60 years.
He became famous for his wildlife, western and prehistoric art. He rubbed shoulders with the greats, like singer-songwriter Hank Williams, Jr. But that all ended when he lost the love of his life, his wife, Shirley.
"She passed away 10 years ago, and it was in this chair," said Joe, from the blue recliner in his Sandy home. "This is where I sleep."
A deep depression followed. For years, Joe couldn't even pick up a paint brush.
"I couldn't paint," he said. "The fire was gone within me."
Until he met 3-year-old Ruby Thackeray. She has stage 4 melanoma, and doctors say experimental immunotherapy isn't working.
Ruby and Joe sat at his dining room table coloring pages from the coloring books made up of his fine art. Joe offered Ruby encouragement, "There you go. You're a good kid. I love ya," he said.
But Ruby is helping Joe in ways no one else can.
"She strengthens my spirit for the love of people and appreciation for young people and appreciation for life," he said, "the smile on her face and in her eyes."
Joe drew a portrait of Ruby and presented it to her parents. "This is for the angel," he said.
Ruby's mother, Ali Thackeray, was moved to tears.
"To be able to bring a spirit to this earth that can help other people or inspire other people?" Ali Thackeray said. "To see it manifest in Joe being able to feel her spirit, and Joe being able to draw her is really special."
Joe has spent his life using his talents creating special memories for others. This day he wanted one for himself. As a friend snapped a photo of him with the Thackeray family, he marveled in the moment.
Coloring with Ruby, he became emotional. Through his art, Joe paints the things for which there are no words. "I can leave this earth tomorrow and I feel good. I won't forget this. I can take this with me forever," he said.
In the process Joe found what he needed most: a second chance.
