Thinking of my Mother
When someone asked what my mother did, I thought, "She Juggles!" She juggled 14 children, 4-6 pets at any one time, a hard-working husband, and all the demands of her church callings. She could out-juggle the best of them. Today as I was getting ready for the day, I looked at the pictures I have lined up in my closet shelf, and saw my mother, the juggler, in her final performance. She was juggling an awful disease that left her bed-ridden for the last few months of her life, keeping in touch with her children and grandchildren from her bed, and a positive attitude. She ended her show with such grace, beauty and love. All of her children gathered around her bed-side for some final words of wisdom, to be close and to hold her hands. She had used these same hands for 67 years to perform every act of kindness for all who knew and loved her.
I miss her dearly.
Today, I just looked at her pictures
and thought of her life and legacy.
Mothers Day, this year, was very bitter-sweet. I find myself thinking about the yearly letter I would have received from her that praises my mothering abilities and my ability to juggle all the demands of a young family, and I think: 'I could just reverse the Dear Karen part with the Love, Mom part and this letter would be to you." Who do you think taught me how to 'juggle' anyway?
Karen, This is a very moving post. It sounds like you have an amazing mother. I'm grateful for an eternal perspective, I am sure she is still in awe of your juggling abilities, wondering how you do it in this crazy life.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet note. She truly was amazing!
DeleteKaren, you look so much like your mom in that picture! Beautiful post. You brought tears to my eyes. Though I didn't personally know your mom, I can guess a lot about her because I know you. She could only have been amazing. Happy Mother's Day, my amazing juggling friend!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I will pass this along to Grandma. What a wonderful tribute to your mother. She was indeed a remarkable woman. The greatest tribute to any great parent is staying true to what you were taught at their feet. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" 3 John 1:4. Give our love Joel and the children.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful and touching words. I'm so glad I stumbled across your blog and was able to read this wonderful tribute to your mom. She truly was a remarkable woman.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful image, Karen. She sounds like quite the woman. 14 children with callings!! How does one do it??
ReplyDeleteDear Ash,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. My mother was truly amazing. I think about her life at my age and she had 6 kids under the age of 8. It's astonishing! I think it's all a blur until we have that perfect 20/20 hindsight.
Thanks for reading.