Last summer, Meghan Vogel, a high school track runner, competed in her state’s 3,200-meter race. Meghan was in last place after running nearly two miles. In the last 20 meters of the race, Meghan had the opportunity to not place last when the runner ahead of her collapsed on the track. Rather than pass her fallen opponent, Meghan stopped, placed her arm around her and carried her to the finish line.

This year, I spoke in church on Mother’s Day. As one would expect, I focused on the sacred calling that motherhood is; however, since I’m not a mother, I looked at this topic from the perspective of a mother who has experienced much in her life — my mother.

Rodney R Fuller, circa 1985

For some reason, I’ve been thinking about my brother Rodney. He was born nine years before I was and as far as I can tell, my major caretaker when I was a wee lass. His nickname for me was “Poops” — I’ll give you one guess what I did to deserve that moniker.

We are in the midst of our Christmas festivities (two parties down, one to go) and have been blessed by spending time with both of our families.