A Tribute to Anna

Tomorrow is Mother's Day.  Just writing those words brings a lump the size of a baseball to my throat.  Many mothers have had an impact on my life: my wonderful mother and her mother my beloved Grandma, both who are in heaven, teachers, mentors and dear friends.  All of these, and the way they mothered me and others, formed my views on being a mother.

I've especially been affected and encouraged by single mothers.

While working in Women's Ministry the plight of single mother families kept coming up. Those in the church felt like the odd woman out. "Every thing is for couples", and "We need to know how to cope as parents alone" were just two of many comments I heard from women in my church and from my daughter who was struggling as a single mother.   After much prayer 7 of us launched "Naomi's Daughters", a program for single mother families in our community, the first step to the full ministry which became "The Sanctuary a Place of Hope for Women "

Because of the time spent with these precious single moms I knew that I had to write a tribute to single mothers.  When I sat down to write I wasn't prepared for what the Lord brought to my mind - my beloved grandmother!

When I was born into her family she was not a single mother but newly married after 10 years of widowhood  raising 4 children (her own  son and daughter (my mom) and two nieces whose parents were killed in an accident).  This woman, a registered nurse, serving in World War I, and later the sole caregiver for 4 small children, though ordinary by the World's standards was extraordinary in my life.  To me  she was stability and peace mixed with competence in the art of homemaking in one dynamic package.  The memories I treasure most?  Oh how she could hug you. I can't remember a time I was with her that I didn't receive one and though she has been in heaven for nearly 23 years I can still feel her strong arms around me.  She was an expert seamstress.  Many dresses, coats and evening gowns were sewn with loving hands.  Could she cook?  Oh my, yes she could cook and bake!  Homemade doughnuts and lemon meringue pies her specialty and my favorites!  Grandma always had time for her family and friends; her home was a safe haven. Her faith was strong and was displayed in her life.  She didn't talk about it she lived it.  I NEVER heard her complain or gossip.   When I was first married grandma spent one day a week with me, guiding me in caring for my home, teaching me how to bake and just hanging out with me.  When my first child was born she taught me how to take care of him and encouraged me when I doubted myself. When my first husband died at the age of 21 she was there to hold me and listen. Treasured photos display her knitting talents on my children when they were toddlers. When I met and soon after married my darling Ron it was Grandma who made my dress and our wedding cake and hosted our reception.  Her great grandchildren called her "grammy" (first coined by my son) and they as well as their parents have many memories of times with her.  The woman she was, consistently and quietly made a huge difference in my life.  As I sit at the table where she and I shared meals and many conversations I can see her beautiful blue eyes as she made her point, with emphasis as we talked together and I find myself wishing she were here to seek her wisdom in this season of my life.   I can't imagine the struggles she had so many years ago but I'm positive she faced every one with hope in her heart believing that her God walked with her just as she did in the years she "grandmothered" me.

Wishing all the mothers everywhere a blessed day! 

My next post will be a tribute to contemporary single mothers!  They are AMAZING!

Thank you Lord for your perfect plan for me, for my mother and her mother, and her mother....

"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.  How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!"

Judy