My mother, Lois Jean. She is 86 years old. She is so full of love and a warm heart it is pleasing just to be in her presence. So many things have changed over the last several years as she is aging, she has suffered several illnesses and several strokes but she has recovered well and is still sharing all of her love. Even though she has suffered these past few years she is still there for me, she is the one who has taught me so many things in life. She is so strong. She has held on to life with enduring and passionate grace when you would think a person would crumble under the stress and reality of what she has experienced in her life.
What a beautiful example of living life to its fullest. She is always there for me, always thinking of others, always putting others before herself. She has a gift of being a servant. She gives of herself in ways she doesn't even realize. She touches lives by her example of living, her smile, her laughter, her love. She is my mom and I am so blessed.
As I have been told many times that I was the rebel child, not necessarily by mom, but my siblings sure like to remind me that 'they brought the wrong baby home from the hospital' or of course the old adage 'the black sheep of the family' but all I can say to that is thank God, because I was blessed with a mother that has loved me no matter what. Throughout all my defiance, disobedience, and rebellion, she still stands by me, black sheep or not, wrong baby or not, she loves me for who I am. And I am sure she said a lot of prayers for me and I thank God for her faithfulness.
When I visit with her, I try to listen more than talk, I try to soak up all the knowledge, the memories, the family history that she shares. I have told her for years to get this information in writing because I know myself and I suppose I will forget all of the details, but I will never forget the touch of her heart, the feel of her touching my hand, the comfort of her hugs, the chuckle and her ceaseless, unconditional love. I love you mother.
"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." ~Washington Irving
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