I had a sweet example for 55 years.

God has been using these last 7 almost 8 months to remind me to use each day what my dear Mother taught me.  She taught me to do many things in our home and at my work through the years.  Practical daily things to keep our home, loving ways to care for our children, serving examples to care for my husband, kind encouragement for those I meet, and creative touches to make all things special.  As Mom did all those things, she was teaching what she believed about God by her example.  She sang of God's goodness.  She quoted Scripture that guided her decisions and thought processes.  When I would call, her voice brought a peaceful calm to my heart and tears flowed.  I miss that now.  She knew and understood the needs of being a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and grandmother.

 I cherish all the conversations we had as I worked with her or watched her just do.  Mom did not complain.  When things got hard, she asked for a helping hand.  In doing that, I learned to do so many things.  It was a joy to be helpful because that is what she demonstrated at home, church, and work with Dad and others.  It didn't matter if it was cooking and cleaning for company, playing for special music,  helping to butcher rabbits, or painting the church basement.  I heard her speak kindly and laugh through the tasks.  I am sure there were times she was tired and grumpy and did not want to participate, but I did not see or hear that.  There were moments that we were not privy to as children, as it should be!  Mom always expressed her genuine gratefulness and love.  

As life continues without her here on earth, I am impressed with the fact that I was given a wonderful gift in the way my Momma mothered us...as children and as grown-ups.  She could do that well because she and Dad were a team and on the same page.  They worked at life together.  Mom did her role well.   I know I did not see things to the extent I do now.  We were shielded from many of the difficult times that I understand were surely there.  But God was merciful toward our family as Dad and Mom followed His ways.

I understand now that not everyone was given these blessings from their Mother and Father.  I have the opportunity to share a compassionate care and love with others because my sweet Mother poured into me for 55 years.  To keep the knowledge, kindness, understanding, and love all to myself is selfish and wasteful of her sweet example.  "To whom much is given, much is required." Luke 12:48

 I want to be a good steward of what my Mother taught me with her life and with her tongue.

Share life with others...no matter how hard or messy life gets.  Mom did that through her ups and downs of her whole cancer treatment.

It is a way to show my gratefulness to God for the gift of my Mother.