Several weeks ago I co-facilitated a teen creative writing workshop at Logan High School with fellow Coalfield Writer Teacher Consultants. Khiry was one of the participants that evening and we 'played' with voicethread.

Later, I was contacted by fellow-teacher Mary Hawkins, who was so moved by a poem Khiry wrote in her session, that she wanted to do something special with the poem. After reading the poem, I knew I wanted to meet the woman who inspired the poem. Khiry, his mom, brother, and grandmother graciously gave me a few minutes of their time in my studio and this image is the result. I am humbled and thankful to be blessed by people, young and old, and by writing.

Writing is vital in my life. I work through frustrations, problems, and heartaches by writing. And of course, we are all blessed by The Word everyday.

My mom is a shy, self-deprecating woman who totally bought into the 'be seen not heard' philosophy. Actually, she took that a step further and was invisible if at all possible when in large groups. So last evening, when she came in the studio to see what I was doing, I had no real hope that she would sit in the hot seat and let me photograph her; but she did!

Mom hates her wrinkles; I told her I could soften them up so they aren't so prominent, but then I just couldn't bring myself to take them away! They are part of her; they show her character and venerable age. So, with her permission, the wrinkles stay.

Now, looking at them again, I'm reminded of the mad scramble we had, four years ago when Dad died, trying to find an appropriate photograph to frame and place on his coffin. Please don't think I'm morbid, but having these photographs of Mom, showing her just as she in now, gives me some peace. I hope we won't need to use one of them for so long that I'll have to photograph her again, but...