When you go to church as much as we have to, something funny is bound to happen once in awhile, and this is one of those times. We had an out of state traveling evangelist come to church awhile back; he would come in and preach a revival and stay at different ones houses.

Sure enough, he stayed in our guest room with his wife for two nights, since Mamaw is always onboard for putting somebody up, “especially an on fire, holy man of Almighty God” as she would put it. His name was Brother Williams, and his wife was the absolute shortest lady I ever did see; I was almost taller than her. She was about four foot tall and we called her Sister Mabel.

Of course Uncle Muddy said stuff like; “She is so dang short she has to get a stepladder just to lay down.” He laughed and Mamaw scowled and said, “Shh, they here. She might hear you, hush up that mocking and be reverent!” Sister Mabel actually heard him and laughed really loud, she is so nice too. She thought Uncle Muddy was the best thing since cornbread, and the more he made wisecracks, the more she giggled. She was a really really sweet lady, and told us, “Oh shucks! I heard all that short mess before, but that was a real good one!”

On the last night of the revival, that was the last night they were staying with us, we all went back home. Just before me and Shady went to bed she told us both goodbye before before we went to our rooms, since they were leaving very early in the morning. She gave us both a big ole hug, and told us she would be praying over us.

When we finally made it to our rooms, I noticed Shady had gone to his room earlier a few minutes before me, and he was crying. I thought he was upset that they were leaving, but he wouldn’t tell me what it was. So I had to go get Mamaw to get it out of him. She came into Shady’s room with me, and sat down and started talking to him.

“Son, what is wrong? Why you boo hooing so much? They will be coming back, I promise. Shady just shook his head saying no. Finally she told him, “Spit it out boy, what has done got you so upset? I told you the preacher and his wife would be back, and they can even stay here with us.” Shady started trying to talk and cried harder. Finally she ordered him, “Say what’s on your mind boy NOW! We all got to get some sleep and we don’t need you bellowing and carrying on all night!”

Shady finally managed to get it out; “Mamaw its Ms. Mabel! She gave me a hug and she mashed my face right in her booms!” Mamaw put her hand over her face trying hard to not laugh, and me too. She told him, “How in the world else is that short little stature woman s’posed to give you a hug? Hush that boo hooing and get to bed!”

I guess Shady don’t like hugs? I know he don’t like people touching him, but that is a new one on me.