My Mom

             Today would have been my Mom’s 97th birthday.  Like my Dad, Mom loved and cared for her family, but if I had to use one word to describe her, it would be “doer”.  Mom had to constantly be doing something to provide a better life for her family. 

She did so much to keep our family running smoothly.  During the summer, she was constantly working in the garden, canning and freezing goodies that we could enjoy the following winter.  That didn’t stop her from searching out grocery bargains and taking my brother and me to countless activities.

I think that one of the biggest issues my Mom and I had concerned chores. I’ve always been an avid reader, and when Mom had chores for me to do, my standard reply was, “Please wait until this chapter is finished.”  She always agreed, only to come back 30 minutes later to find that I was 3 chapters past the one we had agreed on.  Needless to say, I put the book down quickly and did my chores.

Mom was active in our church as a youth group leader and working with the Women’s Circles. I remember the numerous times that we washed and dried communion glasses after Sunday services.  If she could only see the disposable cups we use now!  She was also a 4-H leader and involved in Homemakers.  We still have and use several items that she made in Homemakers.

When the grandkids came along, she was always ready, willing, and able to babysit, but that didn’t stop her from still helping me out.  As my law practice became more time-consuming, it wasn’t unusual to come home and find that she had ironed all my clothes.  She knew how much I hated ironing (and still do), so she was more than willing to lend a hand. Even when dementia had begun to take its toll, she still knew how to care for a baby and welcomed her great-grandsons into her arms. 

I guess busyness is one characteristic that I inherited from Mom.  However, it wasn’t just busy to be busy.  It was busy to be productive.  Yes, I still love to read, but I also need to be productive.  Mind you, I’m not going to sew or can anytime soon, but I do hope that I can use the talents God gave me to be as productive as my Mom was. 

Mom loved and cared for her family.  My Dad had full confidence in her and her abilities.  Theirs was a true partnership.  She taught each of us valuable lessons, not the least of which was her love of the Lord.  She only worked outside of the home for a few years after Dad retired, but I think she found success in what God called her to do.  I know that I wouldn’t be the person that I am without her love and guidance.  We didn’t always see eye-to-eye, which is true of many mothers and daughters, but she was always the rock that I could depend on. 

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mom!  We all miss you, too!

Proverbs 31: 10 – 31

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