MOM

MOM -- That name conjures up so many sweet memories.

Growing up in the safe world she and dad created for us . . .
We weren't rich by any means -- but we didn't know it -- our parents were always building a future for us with staking our faith in God and dreams for the future of a Christian education and a purposeful life.

She wasn't mother, mommy or momma -- she was MOM to us.

Family was NUMBER ONE --  being our mom was her only career -- and she wanted to do it well.

Making sure we had skills, a college education, music lessons, and that we knew all the life skills to survive and raise a Godly family.  God came first and knowing him was her main objective.  




We got "sermonettes" on life at the kitchen table.  She wanted us to marry a Christian mate.

She believed we could learn to make anything and if it was broken -- you fixed it and not hurried out to buy another.  She taught my brothers to build -- she taught me to sew.  Sewing for all of us was a way Mom stretched a dollar.  Mom decorated for every season with art she painted, flowers she arranged from her garden or other things she sewed.

Mom loved hearing about Bethany's day at school with her ESL classes of K-5th graders during B's first year of teaching

Mom was so proud of her grands -  on her 83rd and last birthday on earth they all made a special video with her --Casey emceeing it and Marshall changing outfits every time the camera cut out for another view 

Marshall came home from OSU more often her last months -- because he saw her decline.  The grands would stretch out on the couch in her room to watch tv with her and soon she and the kids would be asleep.

These are thoughts of her that are so strong in my mind -- even as it's been so long since I have heard her voice --
She was always there when we got home from school - she believed the first hour that children got home was the most important because a child's whole day would come spilling out.

Standing at the sink drying dishes while she washed - talking over my day. . .  she was always such a good listener.  She heard us.

Her sense of caring reached out to not only her friends but anyone who I mentioned to her going through a difficult time - she would often ask about them later.

Her passion for teaching children about Jesus inspired me to teach Sunday school.

The loving care she gave to my dad for so many years taught us about team work with our spouses and making it through tough times.

Her love deep love for us, her 3 kids and for her 6 grands that she thought were just about perfect.
When she and dad could no longer come visit  -- they took it as their special endeavor to pray for their special six every day.

She couldn't visit us often during those years she cared for dad --
 in 2000 she came for Marshall's graduation.

Mom living with us was such as special time for our family.    She showed us how you face death with courage and a deep faith.

That last Christmas when we wanted to show her the Christmas lights, Mom begged us not to make her go and then thanked us for making her.  Bethany got her all dressed up warm and Terry held her up while he drove her van so she could see a few houses near our house.  

Terry's rule was "Nonnie is the boss and whatever she says goes!"

Some of my own favorite "Mom and Nana" pics

Welcome Dudley!

With Harley settled back in at home at Bethany and Mat's - Terry looked at me and said it was time to start talking about dog.  We had a list of top five needs:  

1.  Not a shedder
2.  Not an old dog 
3.  Not a pup
4.  House broken and well trained
5, Good with kids.

I had heard about a dog that had been so attached to his owner (a man) and might possibly be up for adoption.  Robin, teacher friend had given me this information -- but I had no idea what kind of dog we were talking about.  After her initial information -- I would ask about the dog and she had no more contact from Dudley's owner.
One Monday I was praying about what was a need T and I had and as I went into the teacher's office -- Robin told me that Dudley was going to be going up for adoption.  At this point we knew nothing about him.  
We made contact that day (April 30) and the more we learned about him the more we could see he was a perfect fit.  We picked him up that night from a family member.