This picture is from last year’s Mother’s Day. Mom had been in the hospital for a week in late February and the doctor suggested that she go into hospice care. Her family didn’t think she was going to make it and there were plans being made for her funeral. She proved us all wrong. She left the hospital on a portable oxygen machine and within a few weeks was off that and back to playing Bridge, going to church, and busy socializing in her new surroundings.
She has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and raising six children on a farm where there was always work to do. She was often my dad‘s hired man when he didn’t have one. She taught us how to work and it was expected and necessary for us to do chores like gardening in our huge garden, canning, hanging up clothes on the clothesline, lots of ironing. (We even ironed jeans and handkerchiefs at that time. Not sure if she just wanted to keep us busy or if they really needed it.) There were eggs to be gathered and since I was the oldest my job was taking care of the younger children. If we ever said we were bored she would give us a job to do. She taught us that faith was important and every Sunday morning, unless we were really sick, we were in church.
She also taught us respect, there was no talking back or arguing. What mom said went. But one of the most important things that I learned from her was that she taught us and showed us by her example what it meant to be thankful. I call it seeing the glass half full rather than half empty.
She’s 92 and I know the last few years haven’t been easy for her. She lost my dad 7 1/2 years ago. She lost her independence when she left her home and moved into a care facility two years ago. Her example of looking for all there is to be thankful for has made a great impression on her six children, 19 grandchildren, 19 (soon to be 21 with two babies due in May) great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. What mom says still goes around her family, and most other places too! 🙂 Thank you, Mom, for unselfishly giving yourself to so many for all these years.
Love you, Pat.