My Mom

Her children arise and call her blessed.

Proverbs 31:28

Here's my Mom on her 80th birthday, November 11, 2007

She is surrounded by our 3 children and their spouses.

Dad couldn't be there 'cuz he'd been in heaven for 5 years and 3 days.

They were married for 52 years.

Mom had quadruple bi-pass surgery in early October that year.

She has had diabetes for 15 years, been a widow for 8.

We'd planned a big shindig

-that's "party" for those who don't know-

for Mom's 80th birthday:

"What a lady!  Margaret's 80!"

When Mom was sure she'd be strong enough to party-hardy,

family members and friends came from

Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, and California

to celebrate with us.

We reserved Mom's favorite restaurant

PJ's Abby,

and the management graciously allowed 30 of us

to sing one of Mom's favorite hymns,

Be Still My Soul

before they opened.

Rarely has one who shunned the spotlight all her life 

been more, well, in the spotlight!

And deservedly so.

For:

She [was] a wife of noble character...

Her husband [had] full confidence in her

and [lacked] nothing of value.

She [brought] him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

She...[worked] with eager hands.

She [got] up while it [was] still dark;

She [provided] food for her family...

She [set] about her work vigorously;

Her arms [were] strong for her tasks.

Her husband [was] respected...

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue...

[She is] a woman who fears the LORD

[and] is to be praised...

[Oh, Lord, this is my prayer for her:]

Give her the reward she has earned

[by Your grace]!

Proverbs 31:10-31

As I mentioned here, Mom has had some new health challenges.

She got depressed when we all left after Christmas.  

Isn't she cute?
She and I enjoyed French toast together the day after Christmas.

She didn't eat properly.

Didn't manage her meds well.

Got an infection.

Landed in the hospital for a week.

Has spent nearly 3 weeks in a skilled nursing facility.

That's where she is at this moment.

And I'm here.  So far away!

I told her the Lord has a job for her to do,

lives for her to touch, in that place.

She agreed, suggesting she could start with her 94 year-old roommate.

Oh, for grace to have such steadfast faith!

Lord, please lay Your healing hands on my Mommy.  Show her the good works You planned for her to do and make her arms strong, once more, to do them.  May she experience the joy You promise when we walk in Your ways.  And please guide my bro and me to take care of her well and honor her in all we do.  Thank You for the Godly heritage you've given me and all my family.

In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Thank you to all who've prayed for Mom during this time.

God bless you and keep you in His grace always.

Love,

Linking with Scripture & a Snapshot

 

and

Magical Mouse Schoolhouse

and

Renee Swope's

and

Iris @ Grace Alone