In 2017, Lava Mae founder Doniece Sandoval commissioned me to honor Hector after seeing a totem I'd made for my grandmother. Hector, unhoused with his two sons, had used Doniece's mobile shower services in San Francisco and through his kind spirit, gave her deep affirmation of this needed work.

Meeting Hector at his temporary housing, I discovered we were both reading "Conversations with God." He shared his daily challenge navigating San Francisco's hills on foot and seeking work while getting his boys to and from school living in shelters. He showed me his sons' artwork from their Arizona suitcase and described the journey.

The resulting piece depicts a see-saw balanced on three rocks—Hector and his boys—with a fourth disconnected rock representing their mother. The boys' art lies beneath the charred wood while diamond dust cascades down the center. Throughout his obstacles, Hector always followed the light.