When the breath of these short earthly years
Give way to the graveside as they did with my dear mother, I remember the ensuing tears.
On the anniversary of her home going today, I choose to remember times of joy-
Our precious family – my mother, my dad and one happy, cow-licked boy.
Today, I recount the good times
Through the Spirit’s sweet gift of a rhyme.
Mother kept such a welcoming and cozy home,
If a friend called, she sat down – although talking on a very long-corded phone.
Oh, the delicious delights that were served from her kitchen
Kept her family fed and happily (with a beater sometimes) I did some finger lickin‘.
We ate out just once a week –
Recipients of the produce and work from the garden’s bounty, especially at it’s peak.
She made every holiday a fun and a most memorable celebration.
I remember anticipating those special days and then the expressions of great elation.
Parties and gatherings were beautiful and fun,
Her creativity never seemed limited or done.
Family was so important in our home
Time for them was freely given, never bartered or loaned.
Whatever mother did, I thought her title was “extraordinaire”.
And, oh the childhood memories of her patiently de-tangling my thick, long hair.
Then the packages she mailed to my brother and me while at college across the miles
Still bring sweet memories of the love she packed like they were wrapped with smiles.
Her love language was definitely giving –
So like Jesus she was, as evidenced in her daily living.
But it is the well worn pages on her copy of The Word
That bless my heart to see the evidence of what she read and Who she heard.
When correction was dispensed, Scripture was what I heard
As she would wield the Word.
I think of the verse she marked when she received the fatal diagnosis –
She knew, without a doubt, her eternal prognosis.
With Jesus, she is alive today-
Part of His plan, His path for mother, His way.
She was of her time and resources to others constantly giving
And today, she is alive with Jesus, eternally living.
LORD, I thank you for the laughter mother brought, the joy and yes, the tears
I thank you for the memory of her 45 earthly years.
Pictures from a visit to the family cemetery today.
oh Lora, how precious – I just love you and your gift of rhyme. What a wonderful tribute
((hugs))
tammy
My mother's birthday is on August
1st…..we always celebrated mother's birthday with all the family. This will be a hard day for me, yet I know mother is so much better off and so happy in Heaven!
~Beth
Oh Lora, she died so young. I am sorry. I know you miss her so much. God's peace and blessing to you as you remember the one who gave you life.
Leah
I miss Aunt Geraldine and loved her dearly. Thank you so much for this wonderful memory. Thank you for using your gift of writing to bless others!
Lora, your sweet Mom was even younger than my Mom when Jesus came for her. What a blessing to have her bible and the things that touched her heart evident with-in the pages. Love you sweet one!!!!
What two wonderful gifts this woman gave to me! I see so much of her in you.
beautiful tribute Lora.
Beautiful and tender tribute to your precious Mother. My prayers for God's continued comfort around your heart…
Love you!
Lora this is a beautiful tribute to your Mother. I know you must miss her so much. Thank you for sharing your precious memories.
Lora – both of us lost precious people in July – you your Mom, and me, my sister. Although this was a hard visit to the cemetery I'm sure, I want you to know that it really was a comfort for me to read. Your gift of words and rhyme are truly anointed. Your writing and calming sweetness is one of the things I love so much about you. (And your sense of humor!)
Two years ago today I became a grandmother when Zeke was born. I think of how my life has changed, and I am so blessed. In all the heartache, I am still so grateful to the Lord for the times He gives and for the grace He provides in the times He takes away.
I miss you friend,
Jan