Now Grandmother lived up to every bit of that name. She was grand! I loved her with everything in me as a little girl and really thought life would not go on at the age of 7 when she moved on to Heaven. But, of course, it did. I certainly felt the same on May 12, 2006 when Mother went to be with her and we put her body to rest on Mother's Day that year. Now, if you knew my mother you would understand the significance of that. She was a character and nothing would be more fitting for her than to be buried on Mother's Day. She would have had great pleasure in having us all together that day to see her. Her view that day was grand I'm sure.
Now on to the little song...
M is for the many things she gave me...wow there's not a good place to start...many is definitely the word. I am the baby of 7 by a long time. My mother was 46 when I was born. My oldest sister is 25 years older than me. My sister closest to me in age is 9 years older. They have all called me spoiled. I can't imagine what they are talking about! Don't get me wrong, Mother did make sure I had everything I needed and most of what I wanted but what's wrong with that?!? I really don't know how she did it. Well, yes I do. She sacrificed things maybe she wanted or needed to "spoil" me as my siblings would say. I would just bet she did the same for them because that's how she was. Anyway one example that comes to mind is when I was about 8, I started taking piano lessons. Mother had been taking for a little while and she would have a 30 minute lesson and I would have 30 minutes. Gradually over a short period of time it turned I to 1 hour for me and nothing for Mother. She was such an example to me of selflessness. She never did anything begrudgingly or out of what appeared as obligation. Everything she did for others was out of genuine love. The many things she gave me included material things but so much more.
She gave me unconditional love. Even when I rebelled as a teenager, her love and care for me never wavered. Even when she didn't agree with what I was doing, she made sure she was there to support me knowing it wouldn't turn out well but also knowing that I was young and had to learn some things on my own due to my stubborn nature that might have come from her just a little bit. She was right, it didn't turn out well and then she was there to support me and love me without ever saying, "I tried to tell you". Well, maybe she said it once or twice but you know...she was entitled. :)
She gave me self confidence. She always told me you can do anything you want to do. She not only told me but showed me when at 60 years old she enrolled in GED classes at the local trade school and passed her GED with flying colors and then went on to nursing school. She was an inspiration.
She gave me determination. You don't quit just because it is hard. You just try harder. You just get over it. You just do it.
She gave me a strong believe in God and His faithfulness. She showed me that when people were in need you give and you know that God is faithful and He will take care of you. She would quote the scripture, Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread. I have seen her so many times go to the grocery store, get basic necessities and take to someone she knew was having a hard time. She would just show up at their house with the bags, unload, and leave. She would take money out of her purse and hand it to someone she knew was in need. She had a close relationship with the Lord and she listened to His leading in her heart.
She taught me how to laugh. To laugh at myself, to laugh at her...she was so funny!!! Just to laugh at life...laughter is the best medicine, you know. A really wise guy wrote that in a book called Proverbs.
I could go on and on.
O means only that she's growing old...she did grow old. She went on to Heaven at 81. I wish I could say she just didn't wake up one day. It wasn't that easy. I watched her waste away the last couple of years in the nursing home. She chose the nursing home because she didn't want to be a "burden". Not that we ever made her feel like a burden. Just another example of her selflessness.
T is for the tears she shed to save me...I can't imagine the tears she shed during the times of my life I was acting a fool. I know she shed many on her knees before the Lord. I also know that she prayed for Jason. I know that she shed many tears on behalf of Andrew. She always said that she was praying Andrew would be a preacher. I don't know if he will be a traditional preacher but I know her prayers will be answered in him. I know that the tears of a mother for her children touch the heart of God because he certainly says He is near to the brokenhearted.
H is for her heart of purest gold...I think I have described it well already. There was only one purer heart that has lived on this earth and that would be Jesus in my opinion.
E is for her eyes with love light shining...she always smiled with her eyes. She always smiled. I loved that smile. Such a precious gift.
R means right and right she'll always be...well, if I had a dime for everytime I said "Why didn't I just listen to Mother?" I would be well off right now. :) Yes, she will always be right and I will always remember and pass down to my children. I so regret that Jacob and Gracie will never remember her but they will know her through me.
Put them all together, they spell MOTHER, a word that means the world to me!!!
I strive to be the mother she was. If my children have half the memories and love for me that I have for her, I will have done alright! It breaks my heart to think of the people that have not experienced that in a mother and don't have that. Let's say a special prayer for them all today and perhaps as we go about our days look for opportunities to be that "mother" in their life and share that love that can only come from a mother's heart.
Enjoy this short video to lighten the mood a bit and put being a mother in perspective LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM
~Michelle
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