May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!

Proverbs 23:25 (NIV)

 

As I skimmed through Facebook over the last couple of days, I noticed that many of my friends were honoring their mother by posting her picture in their profile, often adding a tribute to “Mom.”

Memories began to flood my mind. Any musical ability came from her. Her perfect pitch derailed my piano prowess but singing was part of her life and mine. She was a great cook and always ready to take lessons, if need be. I like to show off all her needlepoint pieces that exhibit her expertise. I know she would have liked to live in my golf community and be part of the women’s league. My kids loved Grandma’s chocolate cake and relaxed rules. But I also remember the Mother’s Day after her death, five years ago. It felt weird to not buy a card, send flowers, or a gift…and it still does. I miss my mom.

She would have been so proud and pleased to see the strength, courage, and faith displayed by her grandchildren. The grandgirlies called her Great Gram and she loved holding them, talking to them, singing and playing for them, and I know, praying for them. She was a great encourager and her faith in her Savior sustained her throughout the ups and downs of life. I was so impressed that she still memorized long passages of scripture in her later years. Surely, we have a godly heritage.

The torch has been passed by Mom to me. My hope and prayer is to love my children and grandchildren, unconditionally, and to show them Jesus — just like Mom. I can’t think of a better epitaph.