For hundreds of years, the celebration of Thanksgiving in America has been an occasion for reflection and a reminder of the blessings we receive. All my life, this season has also been a time of tribute to my mom. Her birthday always falls near or on Thanksgiving. This year, she turns 90 and I'm reminded of what a special gift she's constantly been to those around her. At her core, she's a giver as well as an incredible memory maker.
As far back as I can remember, mom has always been a giver; a sacrificial servant looking out for those in her family. She continually puts herself last in line while taking care of everyone else. No where has that been more evident than in the kitchen. Some of the best food to ever hit my palette came from my mom. The older I get the more I understand why cowboys always respect the cook and his/her chuck wagon. There are some things you just can't (and don't want to) live without!
I have so many memories of mom preparing food and so many more of us, as kids, looking forward to what she was setting on the table. From unbelievable Saturday morning breakfasts to homemade sweets and country table treats that left us swollen with goodness, there seemed to be nothing she couldn't and didn't master. Mom was also an incredible seamstress. She repaired and made so many clothes - including miniature vests, jackets, and other outerwear for my G.I. Joe action figures! In fact, when I was in elementary school, I was the true envy of other boys because of her talent and commitment to doing the extra things. Whether it was the custom creation of a Pecos Bill puppet for a Cub Scout meeting, the foresight to recognize and hang onto family mementos, her constant efforts to photograph the seasons of life, or simply soothing the sorrow of a lost pet, her intuitive strengths shored up our childhoods. In fact, it always seemed like nothing was beyond her notice or ability. As kids, dad may have been our protector but mom was our absolute guardian.
Week in and week out, she was my chauffer, first responder, teacher, mentor, confidant, mediator, banker, doctor, business partner (selling crawdads at her store), encourager, calendar keeper, and prayer warrior. She was and remains a world of wisdom in a life of heavy winds and hard knocks.
From Colorado to California and Missouri to Alabama, we've been on countless adventures together. Some were actual vacations while others were horse trips, ball games, birthday celebrations, and special family get-togethers. All the while, she's never stopped teaching me and my siblings grace, patience, courtesy, strength, respect, perseverance, independence, and faith.
In truth, my mom set a high bar for my wife. While I succeeded in marrying well, I'm pretty sure my spouse got the shorter end of the bargain! I'm thankful that her expectations weren't as high. Ha! Ultimately, we all live in a world where challenges await us every day. Nonetheless, there are rewards in recognizing and counting our blessings. To all who read this weekly blog, 'Thank You' for your time, attention, and interest. If you've recently found this site, Welcome! I hope our research and writings provide a measure of insight, intrigue, and maybe even a bit of an escape from the ever-increasing rush of the world. We wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving and pray for a host of special memories as we all begin to wrap up another trip around the sun.
And Mom... Thank you especially! I love you with all my heart and am so glad to share in this time of celebration. Happy 90th birthday! We're looking forward to so many more!!
David
Luke 17:15-16