Sunday, May 11, 2008

for all you were to me...thanks!

Her children rise up and call her blessed!

Proverbs 31:28

As I read about the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, it is my mother that comes to mind. For her, beauty was not about outward appearances...but came from within. She was generous, kind and hospitable. She worked tirelessly from morning until night...with a strength that never seemed to fade. Everyone was welcome in her home...there was always room for one more at the table. She was a wonderful homemaker...and skilled with her hands. She sewed, knit and crocheted for all of us...and turned out needlepoint pictures that were works of art. She spent her life giving...with hardly a thought for herself. Even in the last few hours of her life, she reminded us that she had prepared a lot of food...we should be sure to cook the cabbage rolls and the pies that were in the freezer. Always thinking of others...always giving to us...and sometimes with hardly a word of thanks in return!

She left us far too soon...and with little warning! In July 2000 she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer...and three weeks later she was gone.


There have been so many moments since then that I would have loved to share with her. I wish I could thank her today for all she meant to me...I miss her dearly, but know she's in a better place.

My mother-in-law was also a wonderful example to me of a godly mother and grandmother. The was no better grandma in all the world than she was to my children...and that is a priceless treasure! We counted on her prayers...and in her later years she said that although there were many things she could no longer do, she could still pray.

She also went on to her heavenly reward in year 2000...within a few months, I had lost two 'moms'.

I am so thankful for the example of my mother...and my mother-in-law...and for their investment in my life.

And now I am the mother...and the mother-in-law...and the grandmother...and for those roles I am truly thankful. My prayer is that I will be a blessing in the lives of my children and grandchildren!

10 comments:

  1. What a wonderful tribute to both your mom's. You are a perfect duplicate of your mother. Happy Mothers Day Judy!!
    martha

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  2. Judy...what a beautiful tribute to both your 'mothers'. Happy Mother's Day. How I wish I could be even a fraction as selfless as my mother was....is. I am so fortunate to still have her in my life. May you be honored today Judy as I can tell from my short time visiting with you that you are indeed a wonderful mother too and those traits which you admired in your mother you have inherited to be the kind of giving mother and mother-in-law that you are. Have a special day.

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  3. Judy, I feel certain those two mothers you treasured were so proud of you.

    You are a tribute to both, and I know your family thinks you are the best.

    Happy Mother's Day.

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  4. And, of course, you are a great blessing to your family, friends, and even the figs, internets, peeps or whatever you call us!

    This was the perfect Mother's Day tribute to both your mother and your mother-in-love. It was a joy to read.

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  5. You are. You really are, the best of both grandmas. Love you! Really really do!

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  6. I must echo that..what a wonderful tribute to both your Moms!
    Enjoy your day Judy, you are a wonderful mother!

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  7. That was a wonderful post Judy! Thank you for sharing your feelings with us! Happy Mother's Day to you!

    Jan

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  8. Judy...your post today blessed my heart so much. You honored your mother and mother-in-law in such a loving way, brought a tear to my eye.

    I too lost my mother over 18 years ago to breast cancer, she passed away way too young, only 62. Just yesterday as I was visiting with my sister,(In a Garden)on the phone and we were remembering Mom, we both started to bawl...the pain of her being gone from our lives still lives on. But we too know she is home and free from cancer.

    "God Bless" and "Hats off" to all the mother's still living and those that have passed on to Glory!

    Bless you--

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  9. Beautiful timing Aunt Judy! I just received funeral photos, and video for my Grandpa Dirks, and have been spending the day in thought and memory of Grandma, and also Grandpa Dirks.

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  10. My Dad died of cancer last Monday. I am having trouble recalling childhood memories at the moment. Maybe it will come back to me next week.
    www.homesteadblogger.com/ourlittlehouseintown

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