Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Mother (as in maternal parent) (04/24/08)
-
TITLE: TRIBUUTE TO MY MUM | Previous Challenge Entry
By Norma-Anne Hough
04/30/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Our garden was always the showpiece of the neighbourhood. She believed that flowers were grown to be picked and displayed. Dad didn’t agree but he had no say in that department. Every Friday mum would spend hours arranging flowers for the house.
Mum loved everyone and in turn was loved by all. She was passionate about her family. When we were growing up she helped my dad do bookwork at night to supplement their income. By the time my older sister was due to start university she offered to go back into the market place to help dad. It was a wise move, as she steadily moved up the corporate ladder.
When I was going through a very difficult time in my life, she was amazing. The angrier I got with her the more she loved me. She always was there to offer encouragement even when I told her to “butt out” my life. She hated my drinking, but only as a mother can do, she stood by me. When I went away to rehab she came and ran our home, taking leave so that she could be with the three girls and Dave. She was so proud and happy when a few years later through the power of God, I was delivered. Mind you, she was pretty mad when she found out that I had been disciplined by the church. After a time she realized it had been done in love and for my own good.
I have one very special memory. When my second daughter, Bronwyn was born, she suffered from bad colic. For a period of six weeks, I hardly slept. One particular morning after having had no sleep for 2 days, I was at my wits end. Never in my life had I been as close to suffocating a child as I was that morning! The door flung open and mum marched in. She took one look at the situation, grabbed Bronwyn from my arms and told me in no uncertain terms to go to bed. I awoke 36 hours later. Mum had taken complete control. Sensing as only a mother does, she knew I was in need.
She bathed Bronwyn, wrapped her up securely, fed her and put her down. Bronwyn slept 24 hours without waking! Dave and Jacquie were not allowed to make any unnecessary noise, even to the point where Dave had to sleep on the couch. A miracle occurred during that period because we never had a problem again!
As a grandmother she was marvelous. All her grandchildren adored her. My one nephew even told his paternal grandmother, that granny Edna was his best, as she was the fun granny.
She tried to attend all their school functions, but with us three girls living in different cities, it was not always possible.
Sadly at the age of seventy two she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. As with everything else she handled the disease with dignity. We were told to expect five years. After our initial reactions we all pulled together to help her make the most of those years. I was preparing our home for a visit from her, when the scripture from John 14 came to my mind. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” I asked God what He was saying. Gently He told me, as you are preparing your home for your mum’s visit, so too am I preparing her mansion in heaven. Wow!
Her final visit to us was very special. The girls were able to have quality time with her. Their farewell to her will always remain etched in my memory bank. She went to be with the Lord three weeks later.
“My mom is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune” Gracie Harmon.
“If I had a single flower for every time I think of you, I could walk forever in my garden.” Claudia Ghandi
The above quote says it all Mum. I carry you in my heart always; my garden is where I find you, on those days when I miss you the most.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Good job. Keep writing