Always - SOLD

8" x 10" 

oil on deep sided canvas (sides painted)

This weekend my husband and I attended the 100th Birthday Party of a special friend.  Mrs. Biddy Blessing Luna Stewart was my husband's favorite teacher.  She taught him in the third grade.  We reconnected with Mrs. Stewart about 15 years ago when we moved to Lake Martin and her daughter and husband were our neighbors. 

The flowers were on display on the table.  The home was lovely and filled with beautiful art.  The food and champagne punch were plenty.  The party was perfect.  There were many friends and family present and Mrs. Stewart was radiant.  One of the highlights of the day took place when her children, now grown with grown children of their own and many grandchildren, sang to her.  The song "Always" was one that she sang to them when they were young and she rocked them to sleep.  Her son, Jeb, sat down at the piano and her other children, Nancy and Blair accompanied him in singing this song back to Ms. Stewart.

"Always"

I'll be loving you always

With a love that's true always
When the things you've planned need a helpin' hand
I will understand always, always

Days may not be fair always
That's when I'll be there always
Not for just an hour, not for just a day
Not for just a year but always

Days may not be fair always
That's when I'll be there always
Not for just an hour, not for just a day
Not for just a year but always

Mrs. Stewart then stood up and thanked everyone for coming and making her day so special.  She said she wanted to give everyone in the room a gift her mother had given her.  She then recited a poem from memory.  The essence of the poem was that each of us is to bring our best to the world and when you send out love in life, it returns to you.  Needless to say, there was not a dry eye in the room.  Eric Erickson calls this last stage of life integrity versus despair.  Mrs. Stewart is the epitome of integrity.  This is where words fail to describe what I want to say.  Mrs. Stewart is love. She sends it out to all she meets and all who cross her path.  I am so thankful I am one who crossed - always.