90 Years Young

 There are situations/events/experiences that cause you to reflect on life.  This past weekend I had one such experience, a very positive and exciting experience--we celebrated my mother's 90th birthday!  On Saturday afternoon family and friends were invited to a celebration with singing, sharing, visiting and eating.  Let me share some of my thoughts and reflections.

In preparing the invitation list for the celebration you quickly realize how many people have positively impacted the life of my mom.  I reflected how these people cared and gave of themselves to my mom.  Conversely I recalled how my mother gave of herself to others.  The saying that we should never take family and friends for granted remains as true as ever.

When I think of my mom the first thing I think of is her faith in God.  At the celebration mom shared how her life changed when she accepted Christ as her Savior.  Growing up I was constantly shown what it meant to live your faith and to spend time in prayer.

Secondly I think of my mom as a giver; a giver of finances, material things and of time, love and energy.  One of my earliest memories as a child was taking food and clothing to immigrant families.  Regardless of income mom always gives financially to charities and ministries dear to her heart.  As long as health permits mom continues to visit the ill, the housebound and friends.  One summer I suggested a vacation location and mom's response was "who would we visit, we don't know anyone there."

Thirdly I think of my mom as a single parent (my father passed away when I was three).  I recall the sacrifices she made, the opportunities she provided and the training I received.  Being a parent is not easy and being a single parent when single parents were not common (back in the '60's, '70's and '80's) was even tougher.

My mother is a very determined person.  As a young lady my mom's mom told her that she would never make it on her own.  The next day mom moved out, got a job and found a place to live.  After my father passed away mom sold the farm for four times the amount she would have received had she heeded the "advice" that was offered to her.  I recall many such stories, too many to retell.

I can not remember a day from my youth that mom was not singing.  Mom's favorites were hymns and worship songs, but also "folk" songs from her youth.  For many years mom would spend Saturday evenings singing with a group at local nursing homes.

I love my mom and am proud of her.  My desire and prayer is to use and grow in the wisdom, knowledge and training I received from her and then impart the same to our son.  Thanks for everything.  Happy birthday mom, and many more!