Friday, March 7, 2008

Practicality and Grace - My Momma

When I was a child I tended to think both of my parents were superhuman. As I grew older, I found out that they were simply people. People who make mistakes and are finding their way just like anyone. I was surprised to find that this didn't lessen my repect for either one of them. Quite the opposite in fact. Then my husband and I had the Bubs, my respect for them increased exponentially as I found out what it was to be a parent.


I've often sung my Momma's praises and have imparted her own particular brand of no-nonsense and insightful wisdom on more than one occassion when a friend or relative has been in a difficult situation. She's always taught my brother and I to look beyond the surface to the heart of any person or matter. To seek out the truth.

Momma was in remission from another form of cancer when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. We had had so much good news about her health lately that I found myself to be in a slight state of disbelief. That feeling quickly dissipated while listening to her tell me about the preparations for her upcoming surgery, the one that ended with the removal of her breast.
She's since had her first chemo treatment and has lost most of her hair. She shaved it all off the other day, once more confirming that my Momma has guts. She faces most every situation head on including the ones I'm sure she would rather not face, but doesn't have the luxury of turning away from.

Over the years, Momma has become one of my best friends. I'm not sure when that transition began, but I'm most definitely glad that it did and I count it to be one of the greatest things to have happened in my life. To be loved by Momma is to be loved deeply and unconditionally and, in turn, taught me to love the same way.

I'm a better woman, Christian, wife, mom, friend......everything because I was blessed with my Momma.

Proverbs 31:25-30

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
And can laugh at the days to come,
She speaks with wisdom
And faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
But you surpass them all"
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the title of this post, and what a tribute to your mother that you chose those words to describe her. I hope to rise to that description myself, one day - maybe it will become my new motto - I will chant it to myself as the need arises! :)

Well, your mom must be a trooper. I am reminded of a Bible verse in Hebrews... "You have need of great endurance." Yes, indeed... run that marathon wisely.

Blessings upon your family -

Jen

Anonymous said...

OK. Great. It's only 9 a.m. and I am a blubbering mess.

Such a beautiful post. Maybe it is because I know her and love her too, but this post would have clutched at my heart even if I didn't know her.

I'm going to tell my mom about this, but I'm afraid she may totally lose it. She told me yesterday that she can be pretty light hearted about it all while she is 600-some miles away, but if she was there and saw your mom she'd be a basket case (my words, not hers, of course. Mom doesn't say 'basket case,' she says 'just a mess' or something like that.)

Love you 'cuz. Keep up the amazing writing.

Anne Marie said...

Anna, that is simply lovely! It warms the heart to hear you talk about your mother that way. Every day I thank God for the many blessings I have and I have many. God Bless you both!

Anonymous said...

Anna, between you and Lisa both writing about your mother, our aunt, I don't know how much more I can take because well, it's so sweet and also makes me want to cry like my sister.

You and your mother are a testament to practicality and grace, God's grace upon both of you.

God bless. From one of your other cuzs.