It's not that I mind it. I think it is good for me. Even though I tend to tear up a bit as I do it, it is a great reminder of not only my mom, but my dad as well -- who died seven years after mom. I look backward and am so thankful for the Godly heritage I have been a part of. And I pray forward, hoping that I can continue that legacy in my life; my children's lives; and all who come after them.
Fortunately (or unfortunately), my car is old enough that it still has a cassette player. A little while ago, I listened to my mom's memorial service driving to and from work. Pastor Ken Meyer noted that the dash between a person's year of birth and year of death on the tombstone represents so much that goes on in our lives. In her later years, mom had this side business of "coloring" people. She would help them figure out what colors looked good on them and also, what colors to avoid. You would end up with a little color packet so when you shopped for clothes, not only would you pick out something you liked, but you would also choose it in a color that made you look better!
Pastor Ken pointed out that mom's license plate was "CJ Color", and that she colored people's lives. And he didn't just mean the color swatches. She volunteered at the hospital; served with my dad in senior high ministry at church for many years; was on the Pastor's Reading Committee (to help with sermon prep); was involved in various other ministries at church. She even had my grade school teachers over for lunch once a year (we had 90 minutes for lunch). I can't say I really enjoyed that!
Someone had written a note to my mom as she battled leukemia during that last year, about how she exemplified Matthew 5:16, especially in illness. A letter from one of my sisters' friends commented about how they always "sensed" a Christian atmosphere when she came over to our house.
One thing that I treasure is a recording that my folks made when the doctors told my mom she had limited days. My sister, thinking ahead, came up with 50 questions to ask my mom so our kids could know -- at least a little bit -- about their grandma. In God's providence, as my dad "interviewed" my mom, he also answered the questions. When he died unexpectedly, seven years later, we had his answers too. (If you would like a copy of these questions, for you or your parents, I would be happy to send them to you.)
Reminding our children about the importance of family; what we believe and why we believe it, is a great gift both to receive and to give.
Soli Deo Gloria
3 comments:
Thanks for sharing, Todd, and for being so transparent. It is appreciated!
I, too, am so thankful for my heritage during this time of year. My Grandpa Russ passed away 11 years ago about this time. It was just days before Annika was born. Grandpa Russ (along with Grandma Marj) led an amazing life serving the Lord. I was in tears last night watching the fireworks remembering them (Grandpa loved the really loud fireworks).
I'm also thankful for my Grandma Geneva, too. She died 21 years ago this Fall. A little over a month before she died, I told her the news that Ken and I were engaged. Not everyone in my family was thrilled with the news because we were quite young. But Grandma Geneva's response was, "I'm so glad you found a Christian to marry." I'm pretty sure she was praying for that for each one of her grandkids.
I would love to have a copy of the questions to ask my parents. More importantly, I would like to use it to ask my Grandpa Sid some of those questions. He's 91 years old!
Gotta love Grandma Geneva! There are some memories seared into my memory. One is mom looking at me after my grandpa (her dad) died and saying; "You just lost a great prayer warrior." Sounds like that was your Grandma Geneva too.
Thanks for sharing Todd. I would love a copy of the questions. I'm trying to do things like that with my remaining grandparents and would enjoy seeing the questions you guys came up with.
Thanks!
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