Thanks for visiting this site and taking a few minutes to read the story of a remarkable lady. Melba Louise Earls was born November 4, 1937 in Caraway, Arkansas. Early in life her family moved to Bay, Arkansas where she was reared along with her two brothers and three sisters. She married James Tipton in 1957. Together they were blessed with four children. As a child she became known to all as "Jane" and that is what she has been to me all my life - Aunt Jane.
Uncle Jim's service in the U.S. Air Force took them to many places around the United States and the world. Jim and Jane were both faithful members of the church of Christ and were contemplating serving as missionaries once their service to country was complete. In August 1973, while stationed in Germany, the family took a trip to southern Europe. While traveling they were involved in a head-on collision near Genoa, Italy that took the life of my Uncle Jim and two of their children; severely injured a third child; and left Aunt Jane paralyzed below the neck. Their fourth child was in another vehicle when the accident occurred.
My Aunt Jane is the toughest human being that I have ever known. She has lived as a quadraplegic for the 37 years since her accident. While the accident left her with diminished physical skills, it did not affect her mind. She is as mentally alert as ever and has a remarkable mind! Jane has been unbelievably blessed with caregivers over the years, including her own family. However, due to her physical state she has been a patient in the ICU ward of the V.A. Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee for the past seven years.
One of her sisters asked her recently what she wanted this Christmas (2010). Her answer was, "All I want is a card."
THAT'S WHERE YOU COME IN! In the midst of your busy holiday schedule, I would like to ask a favor of you. How great would it be for this awesome lady to know that hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of people have thought about her this Christmas? Would you take the time to send a card with your name, your hometown, and a few words of encouragement to her? If you can do so, please send to the following address:
MELBA TIPTON
1030 JEFFERSON AVENUE
SCIU 1 WEST, ROOM 112
MEMPHIS, TN 38014
My Aunt Jane is a real blessing to me. I hope that you can help lift her spirits at this special time of year by sending a simple, inexpensive card with a heartfelt message. May God bless you during this holiday season!
Marty Knight
Conway, Arkansas (USA)
