NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — Every day for a week, world-renowned artist, Arlin Graff, showed up to paint the side of Rooney Carpet Cleaning in North Olmsted.
On Thursday, Arlin put his final touches on a mural dedicated to 3-year-old Julian Wood.
"I just came to put some coats, some varnish to make this forever," Arlin said.
Now, it will be, mirroring Julian's beautiful, vibrant spirit.
"When I saw the wall, I said, 'Oh, this was perfect. I can fit the dinosaurs in there.' And that's when everything started," Arlin said.
Throughout the week working on the mural, Arlin has had curious and supportive admirers.
"Everybody in the community stops here and talks. Some people were in tears, some people were very emotional. Some people come here just to say thank you and give me a hug," Arlin said.
The most meaningful visit he had was from Julian's family.
"Dad, mom, his brother, grandma, aunts, cousins, everybody was here," Arlin said.
The family came to visit on what would have been Julian's 4th birthday.
"That's the thing that really got me. 'Cause I didn't expect that. I didn't know (it was his birthday)," Arlin said.
He also didn't know just how much this colorful remembrance had touched their grieving hearts.
"They were very emotional about this. They said that it means a lot for them. They love it. They say it's beautiful," Arlin said.
The process of painting the mural has been both cathartic and heartbreaking for Arlin. He had been so focused on honoring Julian properly, that when he finished, the emotions came pouring out.
"Very emotional because you know, he was just a kid and kids love dinosaurs," Arlin said.
Yet, the permanent gift for Julian's family is some of the most important work Arlin will ever do.
"I want to soften it a little bit for them. I know nothing is going to change back, but at least we can do something," Arlin said.
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