Thankful

11/27/2014

My church family asked me to submit a letter about my Mother's accomplishments in life:

My Mother helps everyone with problems just by listening. She seems to have a special connection with people who have health problems.

She had a friend who was dying of cancer in Francis House, (hospice) She went to see her once a week and always took her a single rose in a bud vase. She continued to visit her until she passed away, just to listen.

One of her nephews was dying of AIDS. She never missed a step. We went on vacation to a family reunion and while the other family members shunned him and would not let their children near him it was our family that sat with him and shared life stories, cross stitched and listened. He wanted to borrow our car to go for a drive. No big deal you would say. After he had passed away my uncle made a point of saying to mother, "We will never forget that you let our son borrow your car." A small deed, lasting impact. Listen our family was taught, we are all the same in God's eyes.
She set an example for my brother and I throughout our growing up that work is the only way to achieve your goals.

We were taught never to look down on other people just listen.

She spends every morning with her bible and devotion. She has the discipline that I lack.

I've seen her hand food to a homeless person in Manhattan. Stop to comfort anyone in need, listen to people who are having difficulty dealing with life's pressures.  Never judge people by their position in life, just listen. Listen to me carry on about things that I think are monumental problems. She always listens, but she never gives opinions and always tells me to pray.

She really practices her beliefs. Believe and receive. My Mother is traveling through this journey on earth with compassion and true love for her fellow human beings. She never complains. Always works silently, always listens.

The coffee hour is my Mother's favorite time of the week after church. She will usually go to the church on Saturday afternoon to set up the tables for coffee on Sunday. She makes shopping trips to look for tablecloths, decorations for tables, saves cards to display, looks for different or special cookies, and hunts down sugarless cookies for some congregation members. If there are leftovers she would rather send them home with a family to enjoy than save for the next week-end. We'll get more she will say. This is the time to visit her church family.

When we moved into the city 6 1/2 years ago it was a huge step in faith for my Mother. She's a country girl from W. Virginia and the city is a frightening and alien environment for her. Believe it or not the one thing that bothered her the most was leaving her roses from her flower beds. Not only did we move all her roses that we could, but her grandson surprised her by going to get the largest rock in the back of his truck and carting it into the city. It's only a rock but this is my Mother's way. Quiet, just listen. Our little city yard looks like an English Garden all summer. She quietly works for the glory of God and lets her actions speak volumes. She teaches by example. Not out of preaching, she just listens.

Phyllis, May 2007

Post Script: Since Alzheimer has moved in we have church for 2 in my Mother's living room. I am thankful.