a tribute

(typepad is playing with my sanity - it won't center the first part, or the photo. in addition, the font spacing is off - sorry about that !)

 

to honor my mom, even though she's not with us today, i would like to share this tribute i wrote for her back in 1996.  this was prompted by a great book called 'The Tribute', by Dennis Rainey. according to Dennis, it's 'what every parent longs to hear'. and i would agree.

(Dennis and his wife Barbara are co-founders of Family Life Ministries.)

 

so here's to you mom. i love you.

thank you isn't' enough

i'm sure that the announcement that you were going to have a baby in 1965 was a real shocker.  i am so thankful that you made a choice 31 years ago to bring a new life into this world. It couldn't have been easy, especially with three teenagers and a full time job.

the direction, guidance and support you have given me in life has molded me into a woman who is proud to be a daughter, sister, wife and mother. I am proud and honored to be your daughter. thank you mom for the gift of life.

there are things you taught me and times we spent together that i will never forget.

i remember every day after school i had to call you to tell you i was home safe.  back then I thought it was a real pain, but now i ow it was because you loved me so much and wanted to make sure i was okay.  tank you mom for teaching me accountability.

sturday mornings are clear in my mind growing up on Lenore Drive. inever was a morning person, but you made it very clear that Saturday mornings were the best and most productive times to get things done.  the tunes of John Phillip Sousa and the hum of the old Kirby vacuum were reminders that it was time to awake from under the comfort and warmth of my covers to begin the morning task of cleaning. thank you mom for taking the time to teach me that cleanliness is next to Godliness. my home radiates with 'Pledge' reflections and sunshine because of your influence.

i'll never forget the countless times you had friends over to the house to play bridge or bunco. thank you for letting me serve coffee and cake.  when i was younger, i was always sure you and dad never saw me hiding around the corner int he dining room in my pajamas enjoying the warmth of the heater. the laughter that came from the living room told me it was good to have friends and people who cared about you.  thank you mom for inviting others into our home. i was introduced to many beautiful people i will never forget.  Thank you for exemplifying to me the gift of hospitality.

there are so many other memories that flood my mind. . . .

the best creamed tuna on toast .  . . pin curls and rags after my Saturday bath for church the next morning .  .  . Lipton tea with cream and sugar - not only when i was sick, but just because .  .  . the cinnamon toast that always accompanied the tea .  .   . countless hours of playing Bingo together, holding our breath in hopes that our number would be next .  .  . pulling the security money and bait at the bank you worked for and the police coming .  .  . riding the bus to work together .  .  . taking in my precious Lady Ashley and loving her so much that you would hide her from the landlord.  .  . trusting me as a young adult to make the right decisions with my friends. . .and especially loving me enough to let your baby leave the nest and move to another state to attend college.

thank you isn't enough to express the gratitude i have to you for molding me and loving me. until I had the beautiful experience of having my own children to watch grow and become their own individual selves, i didn't fully understand all of the unconditional love and unselfishness it took to be a parent.

i look back on my childhood and smile. for the memories that come to mind are good ones. ones i will cherish forever.

thank you mom

jill

happy  mothers day

 

Comments

[fitty]

Happy Mother's day.. hope you have a wonderful day celebrating mother's day with your love ones!

have a good week too!
xo
fitty

[amanda]

This is beautiful, Jill.
Brought a tear.
amanda