The first paintings created of the 911 aftermath are credited to one M.A. Pazdel, an artist from Fremont CA, who stayed up 24 hours straight after the first plane hit the towers so that he could capture the human suffering that took place.

His paintings are valued at more than $200,000 and have one first prize in many art. Today was a special day for him because during the 9/11 ceremonies his paintings were exhibited in an art show to pay tribute to those that lost their lives and those that escaped with their lives.

But there is something very striking about Mr. Pazdel, he's not your typical red blooded American, he's actually Persian and was born in Iran. He migrated to America when he was very young and has been painting since he was four years old. I asked him about why he felt he needed to paint the two award winning paintings and his response was simple "It was a remarkably sad day and I felt compelled to express it with my paintbrush." In fact many of Mr. Pazdel's works focus on current events, like his painting of an older women in tears after hurricane Katrina destroyed her home and her life. But not all of Mr. Pazdel's paintings reflect the sadness of life, in fact one of his more famous paintings depicts Native American Indians being guided to a new life by the spirits they believe in so deeply.

Mr. Pazdel is more than a painter though, he's also my uncle and an extraordinary man with an extraordinary gift. I share with you some pictures I took of his work at a recent showing, and I dedicate these photos to those that were lost on 911.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!