It seems several people have that favorite aunt/uncle in their life. Well, I have the blessing of several wonderful uncles and aunts. However, in my family, I had this Great (both big “G” and little “g”) uncle that was one of those characters you just loved being around. His name was Mortz Goethel Moyers. Quite the character. He’s been gone for many years, but his legacy and stories still live on in our hearts.

He had a way of making anyone feel special. You always felt like you were his favorite. He would start talking to you and you could tell you had his full attention right away. I believe all of us at sometime or other believed we were going to be named after him or at least were going to name one of our children after him. My aunt and/or my cousin (who is a very nice lady), were going to be named after him. Would that mean their name(s) would have been “Goethelina”? AND just to make the record clear, none of us would have minded one bit. To carry on his name, any one of us would have loved it.

Mind you, he did not walk on water or anything like that. Quite, the contrary. He would walk into my grandma’s house (or Mammaw’s, affectionately called) and stir the pot. He would get some situation going – whether it was about politics, religion, the weather or whatnot. Everyone would just start choosing their sides. He would sit back and smile. As quickly as he stirred it all up, he would slip out the back door quietly as a church mouse knowing that his work was done. All the more satisfied that he had done his duty.

He was a loving and caring person. He could put you at ease from the moment he met you. He just had that way. He would talk to you about anything – from how the local cemetery was laid out; how he made his car run on propane gas instead of gasoline; to the time how he won a 25 pound bag of navy beans, which he had to eat forever! He took time out for those he loved.

That’s the way it is at the Table. When you come, you are immediately at ease. You are welcome. You are wanted. You do not have to do anything special to be there. You just have to be – there. The One at the table will talk to you about anything – sincerely – anything. He has more patience than any saint you will meet. In fact, He created them and you. The beauty of it all is this. He knows you better than you know you. He loves you no matter what. He loves to sit and talk for hours on end. He will listen to everything you have to say. He has literally heard it all and He will not turn you away. The Table is big and has plenty of room for anything you want to bring to it. Your bills, your tears, your anger, your laughter, your joys, your victories, your family – there is room for it all and them all. Anyone and everyone are welcome. He walked a very long, dusty and cruel road to meet you at that table. He did not want to be late for you or anyone you wanted to bring. He has plenty to give as well. You do not have to bring anything. He has it all just for you. All you have to give is what you have – YOU. The mashed potatoes are waiting. Let Him drop some on your plate today and anyone else you brought along. No matter what is going on. Nothing is too hard, too heavy, too difficult. Pull up a chair.

Hugs,

kjs☀️