Although thousands of miles separate us, I’m so grateful for technology that allows us to call, Skype, text, and share pictures with my family in Canada…and today is no exception! It’s my sweet Mama’s birthday today!
There is so much I could say about her, but I’ll narrow it to just a few special memories. Mama has always been a classy dresser and tried hard to pass it along to us. I remember groaning, age 9 or 10, when Mama chose our outfits when we were going out somewhere special – a nice white t-shirt or button up shirt with a nice, coordinating pair of shorts or skirt. Looking back on pictures, I’m so glad she stuck with it! The outfits that she chose were so classy looking, neat and clean. However, Mama also believed in allowing children to be children and there was one time when she decided to let me where whatever I wished…and we were going to the Focus on the Family headquarters none the less! Guess what my attire was! A floral pink pair of shorts with a pink plaid top! My choice was simple…wear my favorite shorts and my favorite top (who cared if it matched?!?!). Mama had such patience with us!
Mama’s ability to tackle daunting tasks and finish jobs until they’re complete has always amazed me. If it’s not renovating their home, then it’s making 50+ freezer meals for Robert and I last May! I used to wonder why Mama would come alive around 5 in the evening…and since I now have a baby, I understand! That’s when you make supper, feed the baby, play for a short time, then they are off to bed and you can tackle some jobs uninterrupted! How Mama made homemade bread, canned jams, vegetables, and fruit, grew a large garden, looked after sheep, washed cloth diapers, raised four children under 6, ran a home, sat and took time with Dad each evening, cooked for company, kept the house clean, did all the laundry herself, and sold Mary Kay, I shall never know but I now have a whole new appreciation!
Thank you, Mama, for you wonderful example of motherhood for me to follow and I pray this new year will be the best you’ve had yet! We love you!