Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

I just couldn't help thinking about you this weekend Mom while we got together as a family. Everyone couldn't make it but for the ones who could, we had a blast. I know it has been two years since you went to heaven but we still remember you often and the impact you made on each of us. So...I want to give you a little report on how we are doing.

Our family is growing steadily now. There are lots of new little ones to enjoy and I have been busy making them each a quilt. I know that if you were here, you would be right in the middle of the action with that mischievous twinkle you always had in your eye. Always plotting, always planning and always enjoying life in the moment.

We are continuing to teach each other about Jesus and how He loves us, protects us and provides for us daily. We know how important prayer has been to this family over the years so now we want to show the little ones how to start their prayer life too.

We all piled in cars and went to the zoo Saturday morning. What fun we had showing your great-grand children nature and the life around them. David and Landon enjoyed feeding all kinds of animals. Landon was disappointed that he was not quite tall enough to ride the pony but we told him he was growing all the time and maybe next time he would pass the height chart.

 

David and Landon sure have grown since you left. They are both becoming fine young men.

                                                                                             Jeff and his son are so much alike. It was great to see that he is such a hands-on Dad.

Phil spent a lot of time with Sophia. He walked around in circles pushing the stroller so Sophia could be entertained too. You would be proud of his grandfathering skills. 

After the temperature rose by noon, the zoo was not that much fun. Phil mentioned his pool and we all jumped at the idea.  

 
Summer and her family were able to come over by then so there were even more kids and fun. Lots of squirting each other, jumping off the diving board, and sharing our about lives. We are definitely more kid centered now.

Look how Brandon has grown. He has a good heart and a sweet smile.

Later, we grilled out hamburgers and hotdogs. You know how our family loves to eat. And as always...there was more then enough to go around. We don't have so many sweets around any more because we don't need those tempting calories or children being fueled for hyperactivity.

... and Mom...There was a man cooking in the kitchen! We know how you didn't allow men in the kitchen because you thought that was women's work...but mom....Jeff offered and we accepted. It was great!

So Mom...We just wanted you to know that we are doing fine. We are still together and growing strong all the time. We miss you, we love you, and we are still remembering you in a big way. Thanks for all the fun and memories you blessed us with.

Love Always,

Your Family

A Weekend to Remember

Mom died. Now we have to disperse or sell all her treasures. She loved and collected anything-vintage…furniture, all types of wood pieces, and all types of glass, and silver just to name a few. For Mom, it wasn’t so much about having the things as it was about the challenge of the hunt. She loved to find what no one else could and then talk the seller down to nothing. Mom would go into a flea-invested barn herself to pick up her latest bargain. And sometimes, us kids got drafted into helping her move this ‘treasure’ for an enjoyable treat.  When she got it home, Mom would refinish it with love and display it proudly. Then she would delight in telling others about her latest ‘find’ adventure.

Together, my two brothers and I viewed the boxes piled up in each storage room along with the antique furniture. None of the three of us could see ourselves taking much because while Mom always had a large home, we have more modest homes. With that consideration in mind, we pulled up Mom’s white plastic porch ware and decided to have fun with the whole decision-making process.  Like I said, none of us really needed any of the things set before us. However, each of us did want a piece of our past and a memory of Mom.

Paper ended up going everywhere as pieces of Mom’s life were displayed before us. If two or even three of us wanted the same thing, we rolled the dice for it. Highest roller won. I can’t say I was not disappointed with some of the outcomes but it was the only fair way. Mom always said, if we started to fight over her stuff, it was to be sold immediately with no more questions asked...period.

By the time my brothers and I were finished going through everything, we were at peace. We had told many stories about Mom and her escapades which made us laugh once more. We had also told a lot of stories on ourselves growing up which caused some laughter too. Then, at the closing of the last box, I can honestly said my family was still a family and united for the future. And to me...remaining a family is what really mattered the most.

This is what I learned:

1.    Your life can change forever with a single phone call.

2.    Family relationships can be stronger then they ever were, if all set their hearts to make it possible. The boxes said “United” on the sides. Even after many years of differences between us, Mom and her things were beckoning us to stand united at the end of the day.

3.    Accumulation of possessions is fleeting. Some things we buy as ‘investments’ for later may not become the big investments we were planning on at our death. When our kin are ready to sell, it is only worth what another will pay. There are so many variables that can push the price up or down. So…when you make purchases, choose wisely so what is purchased can be enjoyed with those you love now while you are here. Then ‘if’ you can sell it for the profit later, that is always a nice bonus.

4.    Some day you WILL be at the top of the family ladder. These things in the storage rooms were representations of memories from my childhood.  Family pieces handed down...ruby glass, a silver service, sandwich plates with rings for punch cups and pictures of an era now gone.  Cherish the journey because it is all too soon gone.

Mom… it will be a year on the 23^rd of April since your passing on into God’s glory. We miss you down here but I know you are at peace now. Thanks for all you did for us and the lasting memories we cherish.

And Mom...     I love you!