Momma's Hands

Good morning precious ladies,

Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

 Proverbs 31:31

This picture is one of the last pic's I have with my Momma. My Tressy took it for me. For some reason as a girl I loved to watch my Momma's hands work. Whether it was cooking......which you couldn't find a better cook. I would ask for a recipe......she would say, "I don't have one". She would add a little of this.....and a little of that......and it was always delicious! Just the other day my sister Shannon was saying she was making Momma's Spanish Rice and it wasn't tasting like hers. She said that she wished she knew the special ingredient that made it taste like hers. You know you always think you will get your Momma to write them down and you don't. After she couldn't talk anymore it was to late. For all you younger ladies who are caring for your Homes, make sure you get your Momma's recipes......glean from her wisdom while she is with, one day you will be the one that will take over. 

 I have another memory of when my family was homesteading in Alaska. Daddy was building our home.....right under a huge mountain......and a running beautiful creek next to it. Heavenly way to grow up. Sounds like a Little House on the Prairie story, but it was a special time in our lives. We lived without electricity (we had a generator until we did), kerosene lights......I loved the noise they gave off and no running water from a faucet. 

Daddy put a red hand pump in the kitchen for Momma. Oh how many times on the farm I wish I had it with me here!  I remember watching my Momma take the handle and pump it up and down to bring the coldest water in the world it seemed into my cup. Memories etched in our minds for times like this. This is the first time that now I am "the Grandma." I don't feel like I am old enough for this. 60 sounds young, but I know it is my turn. I can say it feels different. Not sure I can explain it. I loved knowing Momma was the matriarch even though she didn't know what was going on for sure......it was her place of Honor. It was a secure feeling for me to always know she was kept safe and waiting for me in the nursing home. Change, I looked in the dictionary the meaning, "the substitution of one thing for another." That is what is hard thing for me.......as I am alone with out her........I didn't want to be the substitution. I wanted to be just the daughter. Will I learn to live with it....of course. I will take the batton.....I may drop it a few times along the way......but she taught her children well...to love their children. The key ingredient for me will be Jesus. I will read His Word. I will trust His wisdom. I will submit to His will. She is "really" safe now. I won't go to the nursing home to see her ever again. The next place will be heaven.....I will get to hold her hand.....it always was a secure thing for me. 

Here is a pic of our CHRISTmas when I was young with my brother Bud, our Little uncle, myself and sister Shannon. This CHRISTmas will be different without Momma. God in His mercy has provided for my sis and I to be together for the first time in many years. It will be a sweet thing! God is the giver of the best gifts! 

Now I  will hold my sweet family and grandchildren's hands Letting them have ice cream for breakfast! I have realized over the years.....that Momma's and Grammies make times special in their children's lives!  Change..... just happens........sometimes you will never be ready......but Jesus is enough for everything that comes our way! So ladies.....if your Momma's are still living.....give them a hug for me. After all is said and done.......I think I will go back to the nursing home.....and find a precious lady who needs a daughter. Their was a lady in the room with my Momma. Her name was Donna. She couldn't talk either, but when I talked her on the last day......I could tell by her smile and eyes......she is probably the one! 

Today is SONday........hope you will find rest. I will be with our middle son and family. Celebrating Josh's birthday......he was born on CHRISTmas Day years ago....I will enjoy the celebration!

Shanny is coming on Wednesday......I will be waiting at the door! My heart is full.......sad.......the whole gamut! Thank you for your prayers.......I love you all very much. I am not just saying that.....you have become my family......even more now! 

If you have a story to share with about your loss.....I want to hear. 

Hugs to your day from the farm,

Linda