I thought you might like to know what I said about my mother after I read my daughter's peom...
Six years ago, on my mother’s 82 birthday, I wrote her the following words…
“You have taught me many things and have imparted values that have helped me. Tenacity and perseverance are two that have helped me to not give up. Commitment to family is another that gives me the courage to provide a safe environment for (my daughter and our six grandchildren). There are others--faith in the face of adversity, strength in the face of trials, belief in myself in the face of doubts, unconditional love for family in the face of disappointment, and dogged determination in the face of discouragement. I learned these values by observing and benefitting from your life. You have been a model for me Mom. I am indebted to you. You will leave a big void in my life when God calls you home. When I speak of legacy to others I define it as the sweet aroma left in the lives of others long after we have gone. My life will bear the sweet fragrance of your life and will linger in the lives of countless others because of you. Thank you for your legacy in my life.” These words are as true today as they were then.
Many children long for a blessing from their parents. My brother, sisters, and I will not be among them because her life was a blessing to us every day. There are five elements to a blessing. The first is meaningful touch…as I leaned over to kiss her forehead for the last time a flood of memories came to mind—her tender kiss on the cheek, her warm embrace, her gentle pat on the back (and sometimes, when we were young, not so gentle on the backside when we misbehaved).
The second is spoken word. She always had a word of encouragement for us, she was fiercely protective of us; she was our greatest cheerleader throughout our lives. She rejoiced in our successes and she grieved over our disappointments. I loved to hear the sound of her infectious laughter. I will miss the sound of her reassuring and loving voice.
The third is imparting value in the one being blessed. She lived for her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. She would brag on us to whoever would listen. She was proud of us. She always believed in us. She possessed a rare type of love for us—the Bible calls it unconditional love—it was patient and kind, it was not self-seeking or easily angered, she kept no record of wrongs, her love always protected, always trusted, always hoped, and always persevered, her love never failed.
The fourth is a picture of a preferable future. Mom always looked to the future, always hoped for the best, always gave the benefit of the doubt, always saw a better future for each of us. She longed to alleviate or pains and our sorrows, and replace them with the good she saw in us, to fan into flame the spark of beauty and worth she knew was in us.
The fifth is a commitment to help us realize our potential. Mom always knew our unique potential and spurred us on to reach it. When the world seemed arrayed against us she would remind us of what we were and the value she saw in us. She showed us how to rise above our circumstances. What she personally experienced in her own life would destroy most people I know. She was a survivor. Her life was a living testimony of her faith in her Lord and in us.
Yes, she blessed us. Now she joins a great host of family and friends who have gone before her—no more pain and suffering, no more regrets, no more sorrows. She leaves behind a great legacy, a sweet aroma, a husband who loved her dearly, sons and daughters who will never forget her, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will carry on her legacy and her good name.
Mom, you lived a life of integrity, honor, and authenticity. We grieve your loss but celebrate your homegoing. Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit we commend her soul to you. Thank you for the gift of our mother. May our lives bring honor to her name.
April 17, 2009
St. Hedwig Church
Bay City, Michigan
Blessings on you and your family right now Greg. Thanks for sharing about your mom's life well lived.
Dan Hay
Posted by: Dan Hay | April 18, 2009 at 08:21 AM