Today is my mom’s birthday… And that makes me smile. In fact, she makes me smile. We love to laugh together, and have all kinds of silly “family sayings” that make sense to no one except family. My mom is/was a great mother, homemaker, wife and helpmeet to my dad, and set the standard high for my sister and me to follow.
My dad was the “up front” person in their relationship, and Mom was happy to be his support. In fact, it wasn’t until Daddy died that we realized what a great leader Mom was, and that she, too, was funny.
Like a modern Proverbs 31 woman, Mom would rise up early, stay up late, bake full breakfasts and suppers, sew all of our clothes, keep our house clean, keep the laundry done, teach Sunday School, lead the WMU, and work part time as our college years loomed on the horizon. In my years of sickness, she was a lot like M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias. Like Shelby, I would look to my mom to know if I was going to be ok, and she was the one who never let me give up. She was a true “Steel Magnolia.”
Until I became a parent, I didn’t know how blessed I was to have the home life that Mom and Dad provided for us. They both worked hard, obeyed the Lord, taught us about God and His Word, and modeled for us how to walk with and trust Him. We didn’t own a lot of the material things that would label us as wealthy or privileged, but we were rich in what mattered the most.
“Nanny” is still here with us recovering from her surgery, and it has been a true privilege to take care of her. We’ve enjoyed lots of hours of talking and visiting, laughing, coffee, and watching HGTV, Food Network, and Say Yes to the Dress, etc… (along with lots of physical therapy!) Though I’m sorry that she has been in pain, and though the days haven’t been easy, our family will treasure this time we’ve had with her.
Mom, thank you so much for living your life for the Lord and your family. We are blessed because of you, and we love you so much! Thanks for being a Godly woman, a model wife, a wonderful mother, and a true friend.
Happy birthday to you, with love!
What a tribute to your mom and to be able to honor her while she is still with you is such a blessing. She is fortunate to have you as her daughter. As Debbie, above, expressed, my mom is no longer with me and I also miss her every day after almost 9 years. So many things I wish I had told her. Fortunately, you are doing that now…no regrets later on about that. Hope that she heals and feels well soon.
Diane
Thank you for your sweet words, Diane. I just asked the Lord to comfort you as you continue to miss your precious mom.
Jennifer
happy birthday Mary! Many wonderful memories of our family times together! Glad you are training Jennifer in your field of nursing, Take care and God bless you!
Laura, your comment made me smile! We see MANY reasons now why I am NOT a real nurse! In fact, I gagged the first time I saw her scar and heard them remove her stitches. No lie. But I have improved in my caregiving enough to know how grateful I am for people like you who ARE called by the Lord to nurse the sick to health! Love you~
What a blessed life you have had with wonderful loving parents. I’m sorry to hear of your Mom’s illness and will keepnh in my prayers.
Many Blessings,
Betsy
Thanks so much, Betsy. 🙂
How fortunate you are to have your mom with you. I miss mine every day. She sounds like a wonderful person too. The lessons we learn from mom …
Happy birthday to yours!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Debbie, I can’t imagine how hard it is to miss your sweet mom every day, but I do know how it is to miss my dad like that. To have loving parents is a gift, and though they won’t live forever with us, I’m so thankful that their lives can live on as we honor them with ours. I know your mom would be so proud of you!
Love you~
jen