Kaylee’s Light: Spreading Joy Through Acts of Kindness

April 11, 2025

Sometimes the most powerful stories come from the quietest gestures—a small gift, a shared smile, a reminder that even in loss, love can ripple outward in beautiful and unexpected ways.

I want to share something that has deeply touched me, our gallery, and the island community.

Kaylee’s parents came into the gallery just two weeks after their precious 15-year-old daughter had passed. It was their first time visiting, and they were searching for an artist for a very specific and meaningful project. That visit—quiet, raw, and filled with emotion—was one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had as an artist. As a mother, I could feel the weight of their grief the moment they stepped into the room. I cannot imagine their pain.

There’s no roadmap for grief, but in that moment, I was reminded that even the smallest gestures—a brushstroke, a bloom, a butterfly—can offer a sense of peace. Sometimes creating something beautiful isn’t only about the art itself… it’s about what art—when guided by love—can truly hold.

My Floral Artwork Study in Preparation for Painting Kaylee's Urn

I was deeply honored when they chose me to paint florals on Kaylee’s keepsake urn.

I had no idea, when I added the butterfly to the top of the urn as an artistic choice, that the butterfly itself symbolized Kaylee—her light, her life, and her spirit. I was simply trying to create something beautiful and whole.

I said many quiet prayers before I began painting. It was the most sacred commission I’ve ever been entrusted with—and one I will never forget. After receiving the urn, Kaylee’s mother said it was “exactly how we envisioned it… guided... and all made with love.”  Her words were a quiet confirmation of the many prayers I’d whispered before picking up my brush. I was so relieved—and grateful—to have helped bring her vision to life.

At Padre Island Art Gallery, we continue to honor Kaylee’s legacy and support her family in every way we can. Their strength, generosity, and unwavering love continue to inspire something truly special.

This week, in honor of their daughter Kaylee, her parents have launched a 31-day Random Act of Kindness initiative that’s already lighting hearts across Padre Island.

Kaylee passed away at the age of 15 due to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), a condition many have never heard of. She was born with 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, a rare chromosome disorder that can cause intellectual disability, delayed growth, and limited speech. Though her challenges were many, Kaylee’s spirit was radiant. Her parents describe her as “magical”—a source of pure joy and love.

Kaylee

They are now working to keep her memory alive through acts of kindness—small, meaningful moments that bring happiness to others, just like Kaylee did in her time here.

A Gift to Give, A Story to Tell

Recently, they purchased a number of hand-selected gifts from Padre Island Art Gallery with one beautiful request: “Please give these away to others.” Each gift bag includes a thoughtful, locally made item and a small note about Kaylee’s Light, encouraging recipients to learn about SUDEP and spread a little extra kindness of their own.

Tag from Random Acts of Kindness Gifts from the Family of Kaylee

This is more than just a gift, it’s a spark of love and light from a young girl who continues to touch lives even after her passing.

Acts of Kindness

Kaylee’s Light is more than a one-time gesture. Her parents have turned their grief into action, raising awareness and funds for CURE Epilepsy and SUDEP research. This past July, to celebrate what would have been Kaylee’s 16th birthday, they launched the first annual Kaylee’s Light Toy Drive—collecting over 400 toys for children at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. It’s now a tradition they plan to continue each year.

The hospital’s volunteer services department was overjoyed. Donations typically decline outside of the holiday season, and Kaylee’s toy drive helped restock their shelves just when they needed it most. The play, laughter, and comfort these toys will bring to young patients is a beautiful legacy of Kaylee’s joy.

The Power of Remembering

As Kaylee’s mom wrote, “It will always matter to have our Kaylee remembered.” And it does. Saying her name, sharing her light, and carrying forward her spirit through kindness—that’s how her story continues.

This is a reminder to all of us that honoring someone’s life doesn’t have to be grand. It can be a smile to a stranger, a small act of generosity, or a thoughtful gift shared with no expectation of return. These moments add up. They ripple. They shine.

Kaylee's Light Lives On

We’re grateful to Kaylee’s family for letting us be a part of this journey, and we hope this initiative continues to inspire others to give, to share, and to shine a little brighter in their everyday lives.

Stop by the gallery to pick up a gift bag, say hello, or just take in a little of the light that Kaylee’s story brings.

Random Acts of Kindness Gift Bags from the Family of Kaylee

To learn more or follow along with Kaylee’s Light, visit: www.facebook.com/kayleeslight

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at melissa@padreislandartgallery.com.