#TheFrontStepsProject

Dr. and Mrs. Marshall and Shirley Keys (A.K.A. “mom and dad”)!!!

I was so happy that my parents decided to participate in this project!!! i didn’t know what to expect when I arrived at their house, but with both of their combined artistic abilities I was not surprised! A “modern” American Gothic! My dad holding a broom, my mom holding a can of lysol with a rag, and of course both of them wearing their patriotic bike gear! How cute are they? The “creativity challenge” with #TheFrontStepsProject” was in full gear and at a whole new level at this point and I gave a heads up to the homes I was going to visit next.

After this photo, I was able to snap a quick photo of them before they went on their 50 mile tandem bike ride. I wish I were in the athletic shape my parents are in!

I would also like to add that my father is also Front Line Pediatric Ophthalmologist, still seeing patients (on an emergency basis) and taking calls from his patients on his home phone and cell phone. Yes, he is the BEST Pediatric Ophthalmologist in the world (and I am not biased as I am sure many of you know him.) So thank you Dad, for continuing to practice medicine in the manner you you always have—— being there for your patients no matter what.

I would love it if some of you reading this can add a comment in the box below, as my parents are not on social media much but would love to hear your reaction to this photo—-to my dad, anything!

When I asked my dad if he wanted to add anything personal, he provided a deeper insight into why they chose this pose:

“Grant Wood’s classic painting, ‘American Gothic,’ is now 90 years old and has been parodied many timesl Our current depiction, of course, relates to the Coronovirus Pandemic of 2020. The serious looks and cleaning essentials reflect current life. The under garments are bicycling jrseys that hint at our desire to escape reality, get on the bike, and ride for our salvation.”

Thanks so much mom and dad for doing this, I love you!!!

xoxo erica

Modern rendition of the famous painting “American Gothic.”