"It Was Refreshing"

Sometimes it all comes together...the Sun, Moon, and God's Will, and more often than not, without our effort. It was one of those times a couple of weeks ago when my teenage granddaughter called me and said "I really want to visit you". There was a sense of urgency in her voice and because I follow her on Facebook, I had an idea it was about a recent breakup between her and her boyfriend.

When I picked her up, my intuition was correct, she had broken up with her boyfriend. She has been wearing a purity ring for about a year and when she came to the conclusion that he didn't have pure intentions, she took a stand and broke it off with him. I was so proud of her, but her tender heart was still hurting for as she told me of her decision her eyes filled with tears.

Mother's Day was around the corner and my daughter-in-law and I were making plans for the special day. I discovered that she was attending a special woman's event the Saturday before Mother's Day at her church that was geared for young women. She suggested that maybe I could bring my granddaughter. Although I thought it was a wonderful idea, I found myself struggling with the idea of driving for over an hour to the church and back, taking my granddaughter home that evening and then I would have to drive back home again. It would be a lot of driving...and would she even like the seminar? Mother's Day I had another event and even more driving. I really balked at all the effort I would have to make, but in the morning my granddaughter was still interested in going, so off we went.

My Mother is an "Angel"

As Mother's Day approaches, I am reminiscing and missing my precious, wonderful mother "Francesca Rose" who went to be with the Lord over 6 years ago on March 12, 2005. For reasons unknown, she named all six of her children with names that began with a "K". When she called for one of us, she would sometimes just stammer with that letter and even make up some new names for us that began with the letter, "K". She was such a unique character who was so out-going, fun and she never met a stranger. It did not matter where we were, she would strike up a conversation with someone and tell them her entire family history. I used to get very embarrassed every time she would introduce herself because I knew what was going to transpire. She was such a people person and my father was the complete opposite. As a child, I vividly remember our camping trips with our huge family. My father would want to find the most secluded area to set up camp but my mother would always manage to meet new people and invite them over to socialize which would drive my father absolutely over the edge.

We always looked forward to our holidays and family get togethers because she so loved to entertain. She also enjoyed cooking and being the center of attention. She had a language all of her own that would make us laugh until our sides ached. She was the life of the party and the glue that held our family together. She was not demonstrative with her affection but we all knew that she loved us, unconditionally. And she taught us by example, how to love unconditionally. She truly deserved the highest medal of honor for her bravery with the challenges of raising six children.

As we became adults, we actually taught her how to say "I love you" and we would hug her until she pulled away. She was raised during the "Great Depression" without that kind of affection, verbally and physically but she grew to use those tools we taught her until the end of her life. I enjoyed the special times that I shared with my mother and many times we would just hold hands and laugh ourselves silly. I loved to hear her infectious laughter. Even at my age, I desperately miss so many wonderful things about her. Her voice, her touch, her smell, her laughter and especially her love. Thank you, Mother, for a lifetime of treasured memories. Happy Mother's Day, "Frannie"..... I love and miss you so very much. Rest in most Perfect Peace until we are reunited again!!!