She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs… (Proverbs 31:25)
You laughed most and best with family…
playing cards or games around the kitchen table…
until we rolled on the floor and stomachs hurt…
or you had to…*ahem*… excuse yourself. ツ
But something about this breaks my heart too.
Your life was constant struggle…
you married someone who suffocated laughter…
but you kept smiling…that’s strength…that’s dignity.
And in admiring that about you Mom, I find that I’m smiling.
I remember when you got angry at me…
but I just kept at you until you laughed…
and the smile broke..
and then the hug…
and then the “Get outta my kitchen!” ツ
Thank you Mom.
By the way, this is part three...the first Proverbs 31 thank you’s to Mom post was here, and the second thank you to mom post was here.
Anyway…
She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26)
You knew stuff…
and we knew it.
And then there were your “proverbs”:
“Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
“Tomorrow, tomorrow the poor man cried. Tomorrow never came, and the poor man died.”
“Honesty is the best policy.”
“I brought you into this world and I can take you out again!” ツ
I could go on and on, but enough said. No?
Your mom had her sayings too. Didn’t she?
Thank you Mom.
And not a single one of your children thinks that you were anything less than a saint.
We all still speak of how much love you had, how amazing you were, how strong, how brave, how much you were the heart of the family. The proof is in the pudding – although you never once made pudding – just Jell-O, with the whipped cream we squirted into our mouths when you weren’t looking.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31:28)
The verse also says that the husband does too – but he rarely did.
Knowing how hard this must have been…this too breaks my heart.
We want support and acknowledgment from the one we marry.
I say this, having never been married, but still knowing it’s true.
Mary Anne is the bravest woman I’ve ever known.
She loved with a love I only see in the best of moms.
She was imperfect.
We are all imperfect.
But she was always there…
always loved without condition…
and always made sure we knew.
“Acclaim her for the work of her hands, and let her deeds praise her at the city gates.” (Proverbs 31:31)
You were the best mom anyone could ever have asked for.
Happy Mother’s Day, in heaven, Mom.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Such a lovely tribute to your Mom, Craig. I smiled at all those . . . sayings and threats! All I can remember my step-mom threatening us with was, “I’m going to give you a sling around the ears!” Never did find out what one of those was, but I didn’t want to, either. Moms! Your leopard picture tells it all — proud, protecting, wise, I-know-what-I’m-doing,
fun loving, comforting, raise-em-up-right, all combined in one. Enjoyed reading this, Craig! I’m sure she is smiling down on you today!
First of all Cora, I’m sorry I’m so late replying to your comments. There are always excuses, this one is that the doctors have me trying a new medication for the sleep and so far it’s making my mind really mushy – mushier than the lack of sleep usually make it. So focusing is harder than it normally is. That means writing goes slower – and answering comment is writing. Just wanted to say sorry.
and your mom’s “ear sling” is kind of like my mom’s saying about “tomorrow tomorrow the poor man cried” – I have yet to find someone who knows that. And by the way – that the cheetah in the picture – I have a whole leopard picture post coming up for Laska soon – and between you and me – he’s particular about his big cats. And I’m not sure my mom is smiling down on me – but I AM sure that she loves me – that’s the thing. God bless and keep you Cora!
Would that every mother be blessed with a child, now grown, who loves her so deeply and can express this love from the heart as you do, Craig. I know your mom is smiling on you today and every day. She will always be your saint.
God’s blessings, my friend!
“Saint Mary”
I know my mom – and she’d heart that title! Thank you Martha. God bless.
oh, and I’m sorry I’m so late replying to your comment. There are always excuses, this one is that the doctors have me trying a new medication for the sleep and so far it’s making my mind really mushy – mushier than the lack of sleep usually make it. So focusing is harder than it normally is. That means writing goes slower – and answering comment is writing. Just wanted to say sorry.
No need to apologize, my friend. I’m praying this new medication will be something you can adjust to and it will do the trick. Know I keep you on my prayer list.
Blessings always!
Craig, I loved reading about your mom. I know she had to be a pretty neat lady because she had you, and influenced and shaped you. I, too, wish she did not have to have had the heartache of a husband that it sounds like she chose the second time. I am glad you blessed her with you humor, and I hope, in your own life, God restores the years the locusts ate.
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