MemoriumPg4.html

The memoirs end with a few observations about herself. I will use three of these,

to illustrate the summons she left to us. The first movie she ever saw was “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” -- and she notes that it made her cry so hard, those who were with

her cried, too. Of course, it is easy to be sentimental about someone else’s troubles, especially in a movie, and then forget about it. I don’t think she did; her

compassion was interrupted by prejudice. And for this her children rise up to call

her blessed. Second, she admits to being an avid fan of Fred Astaire. I other words,

she like dancing very much. Now dancing is not something done only in a hall wit

the band playing. It is an attitude, an approach to life. It is a graceful flutter at the heart of things, and releases sparkling light. I saw Lillie Haertig the night before

she died: her feet were very still under the covers of the hospital bed, but her eyes

were dancing merrily.

Finally (this one comes “out of the blue,” and is as serious as it is funny -- she
would be the last, I think, to discourage our mirth over it). “I would not go to
the moon if given the opportunity,” she said. Now she also added that she didn’t
think anybody else should go up there, either -- but we can forgive that bit of an anti-scientific attitude. Actually, her views are refreshing in a time like ours.

Multitudes of people increasingly are trying to find another universe -- in the past,
in the future; inside their heads, in outer space. Earth just isn’t enough. At best,
this attitude is very dangerous; at worst, it is grimly suicidal. But Lillie loved this
earth, where flowers grow and babies are born and gravity makes dancing possible.

So we may honor her legacy by acknowledging the forgiveness or our imperfections,
by praising God for whatever we can, and by dedicating ourselves to all that is,
wonderfully human.

Charles Moore, Pastor
Faith United Church
Woodsboro, Texas

June 17, 1986

* This was furnished to me by Rhett Owings of Tustin, California

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