The Legacy of Love

Good gracious! I can't believe it's been so long since my last post! Not long after beginning my blog journey Mom became quite ill. At the time we weren't sure what was going on, but after months and months of massive TLC, awesome doctors, several hospital stays, and lots of prayers, Mom has made a great recovery. She still has a little bit more to go before she's a new woman, but we're ecstatic with the progress she has made!

But with all of this great news, we did have some sad news along the way. Both of my Grandmother's passed away over the holidays. Mom's Mom passed on Christmas Eve and Dad's Mom left us on January 7th. These beautiful, strong, Christian women will be missed and we are forever changed for knowing them.

I was especially close to Mom's Mother...Mary Etta Brigman Shaw. There isn't a more beautiful name! She saw the heart of people and had the uncanny ability to love no matter how she was treated. She is a true inspiration and mentor. And she could laugh!! Grandmother Shaw had the best sense of humor and wasn't afraid to show it! If you didn't have a good belly laugh at least once every other day around her, you weren't paying attention!

Dad's Mom, Willette Ritchie Yates...ahhh! Now that's where I get some of my creative passion and romantic outlook on life. You could give Grandmommy Yates (yes, I'm 39 and I still call her Grandmommy!! It wouldn't sound right calling her anything else!) a scrap of fabric and some ribbon and the woman could make an entirely new outfit!

Well...this was harder than I thought! I think I'll stop posting for now...but will return soon enough.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Ahh...Mothers

Mother's Day...a time when we pull back and really focus on Mom and the legacy she offers. I have the pleasure of sharing living quarters with mine and even though our space can get pretty small, pretty fast, we're doing just fine. The picture above reminds me of the many talks and shared times we've had together enjoying God's beautiful nature.

Mom and I moved in together many years ago to help care for my Grandmother. What was a necessity at the time, turned into a huge blessing later down the road. You see, my mother and I have always had this up and down relationship. I don't even want to mention the teenage years! She already handed down the "Mom curse" back in those days..."I hope you have a daughter just like you some day...then you'll understand." My word! I hope that one passes me by! We love each other, but drive each other crazy at the same time. I suppose it's like that with all Moms and Daughters.

But something magical happened while three generations of women were living under the same roof. Grandmother and I talked like we had never talked before. She began to share things never touched on in the past. It gave me an awesome view through the window of her eyes and I began to see both my Mother and Grandmother for the women they were...flawed, beautiful, inspiring, strong women who made good choices as well as mistakes just like everyone else.

I took notice of the legacy each offered...the many, many lessons to be learned from their walk down life's pathway. I feel so lucky to have the Mom I do...she's an open book and a hoot to hang around! Don't get us out in public when we're tired, because the laughter at absolutely nothing won't stop until one of us falls over! Yes, she's fun and wild! I've been so fortunate to spend the last few years really getting to know her.

My father died not too long ago, which came as a total shock. Mom and I both took stock of our own lives and decided that life is too short to float along. So, as the motivating woman that she is, Mom created a plan. Retire, take a year off for herself, and then go back to school to begin a new career...at 63!! Talk about inspiring! I couldn't lag far behind so I also initiated a search for my own passion...a passion I didn't even know I had.

Thanks Mom, for loving me, supporting me, inspiring me, guiding me, for being the incredible woman that you are and for being my best friend!!

Love Always!! ( ;