as told by Pam
In January of 2009, my brother, Joe Bishop was diagnosed with cancer. Joe and I talked often about life and how we felt that God always sends people to us as we go through difficult times. In return, we are to become the strength and support to others as Life's Journey becomes difficult for them. I knew Greg Doster, and I loved his work, so I purchased 'The Beautiful Walk' to give to my brother and his sweet wife, Terri as they prepared to go through the treatments for his cancer. Joe loved the painting, and he wanted to talk to Greg so that Greg could paint 'his' story. Unfortunately the end came much too soon and much too quickly for my brother. Joe died on March 20, 2009. I knew I wanted to have a painting created by Greg to remember my brother, Joe.
Joe loved to play Polo, so he and his wife lived in Decatur where he could enjoy his horses and a slower pace to life. He also loved his work in Austin, and his office was located across the
street from the Capitol. On May 25, 2009, House Bill # 2268 was sponsored by State Representative, Jose Menendez and adopted by the House to honor Joe. As we were walking to the Capitol where the House of the 81st Texas Legislature was to pay tribute to the life and work of Joe Bishop, we passed a bench under a large tree. One of my brother's colleague commented that the bench was known as "Joe's Bench" and the tree was called the "Thinking Tree". He said Joe would often have people meet him under the tree to enjoy the outdoors and talk over legislative projects. I could feel my brother's presence as we passed the bench.
I met with Greg to paint this painting to remember that moment. I was overwhelmed when I saw the completed painting. My brother's memory and presence in my life will always be with me, especially when I look at how Greg captured his shadow in the bench. There are also images of polo players hidden in the painting as a tribute to Joe's love of the sport. My brother now has his painting by Greg, and I have a beautiful memory to share.