The first car accident occurred in November,  before the painting was completed. The pain in my right arm was searing,  but I cradled the right elbow in the palm of my left hand and moved my right arm up and down that way in order to finish the piece.  The doctors at UCLA missed the diagnosis and my arm went essentially untreated for several years.  The second accident occurred in January and caused significantly more damage.  Again,  the doctors let me down. I was however determined to complete the work.  It would take years of rehab,  but my painting was affected in many ways.  As a result, it may appear to an expert that there were two different 'hands' at work. In effect there were. 

Inscribed into the painting, ironically,  are the words "honesty,"  "truth,"  "compassion,"  "integrity,"  and many others.  The painting title, "Once Upon A Time,"  refers to the fact that so many of these are seemingly less prevalent in today's society. I later would realize how ironic the choice of the title of this painting would turn out to be, given its role. The lady bugs are supposed to signify good luck.  Other quotes included in the painting are favorites from Harry Potter,  which I was reading at the time.  

Once Upon A Time was my first five figure sale,  but this 'occasion' went by uncelebrated.  I was forced to sell this work to pay thousands of dollars for surgery for Sim.  At least,  I thought he was having surgery.  I had no idea that the doctor was committing fraud and taking my money.  I had no idea what horribly unspeakable fate awaited my dearest Sim as a result of this doctor's scam.  And so I let Once Upon A Time go in order to save Sim's life.