Mom, McGyver, and Grandma Moses

My mom, Doris Tillis, is a modern day Grandma Moses. In fact she has many traits in common with her. Not only is she a tremendous artist but has only ripened with age in her artistic talent. Like Grandma Moses, also a mother of five, my mom continues to explore new dimensions of art. Just this week, while walking I found a 6 ft. snake skin. Immediately my mom decided to make "nature" art and varnish the last remains of one of her least favorite critters. Earlier in the week, an old ham shaped piece of wood miraculously turned into her palette. Within days she had created a pastoral Ozark scene with the deft stroke of her pen . Today she surprised me with her declaration that she was watching her beloved Tennessee Titans and whittling away at a piece of pruned peach tree limb from an industrious peach tree off her back porch that had far extended it's branching dimensions. I must say though, she also reminds me of another character, albeit less artistic...McGyver. The popular character was known for his quick thinking creative fixes while facing sure demise. Mom has not faced such trauma...but is able to creatively solve most any household problem in an unusual and artistic fashion. What an amazing lady! She's my idol.

Legacy of Laughter

One of my last great Aunt's passed away this week...Aunt Virginia. (now that's a southern name) My aunt was visiting this week and she shared the legacy of laughter that the entire family, all nine children on my grandmother's side, had. Apparently they kept the church pew shaking each Sunday with their laughter during the service. There were eight sisters and one brother in the Rogers family. My Aunt told me that if one started laughing during the service, in time the entire clan would crack up and slowly but surely each pew row thereafter would catch the bug and before you knew it the whole church would be giggling at their antics. I imagine they had quite a reputation at the First Baptist Church of Dover. I'll think of Aunt Virginia the next time I laugh at church and I am grateful for her legacy of laughter. I know heaven is richer today with the Rogers sisters laughing up a storm.

Ten Months Ago

Ten Months ago I learned that my sister had cancer. Today we hiked two hours in the Ozark hills. The path was steep, much steeper than either of us expected. We had each other to encourage the other along. We knew when we took off our shoes to cross the creek we were in for an exciting hike. The trail got tougher and tougher but with breaks in between, and pleasant conversation, we made it. Ten months ago life seemed a lot like our hike today, unknown, steep, tough, scary but we were reminded, just as today that God is gracious and good. At the end of the hike, I said "THANK YOU JESUS" and I meant it.