She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth
not the bread of idleness. Proverbs
31:27
My mom is a very spry 83 years old. She is still active.
She cooks all her meals, I don’t mean opening a can of soup, but full blown
meals. It may be meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables, spaghetti and
meatballs, a stuffed chicken dinner or corn beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s
Day. The list is endless and she cooks most meals from “scratch”.
Mom cleans her home and does her own laundry. She does
not own a dryer, nor does she want one, hanging her clothes on a line outside. She
brought up five children and was a stay at home mom. She was always there for
us when we got home ready to listen and maybe a snack that “wouldn’t ruin our
supper”.
At the age of 67 my mom got her driver’s license. She
never really had a desire to drive, my dad brought her everywhere. When my
father was diagnosed with cancer in 1993 she got her learner’s permit and drove
him back and forth to appointments. A week before he died she had an
appointment for her driver’s license, she passed with flying colors.
Her health is good. A few years ago she suffered a mild
heart attack. She only takes two pills daily for her heart.
My mom did not have an easy childhood. Her mother, my
grandmother, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when she was in her early
20’s. This was during the 1930’s and the medical field was not advanced as it
is today. The medical profession did not know what was wrong with my grandmother.
She was in hospitals and rest homes from the time my mother was 4 or 5 until
she was 10. After many failed attempts to identify the problem, the doctors
finally diagnosed her with rheumatoid arthritis and told her she would never
walk again. Imagine a young child having to endure being without her mother
during the formative years of her life. Her grandmother lived nearby and helped
the family as my grandfather worked to support them.
Once I asked my mom about her childhood and her response
was, “it was a very sad time.” After
many years she did tell me most of the story. I know there are still things
from her past that she has a hard time sharing.
She is a wonderful woman who did the best she could with
the resources she had. Even though her life has not been easy, she has always
been there for me and my brothers.
Today is her day. Two thousand miles separate us but I
know she loves me and she knows I love her. I thank the Lord frequently for the
gift of MY MOM. Happy Mother's Day Mom!!
P.S. My grandma did walk again. I was blessed to have her
in my life until I was 29.
P.S.S. Do not let today past without speaking to your
mom. Life is short, call and let her know you love her.
Donna
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