For Momma

She was sent, not to take the place of the little girl whose tragic death had struck the family, but to help ease the pain that the family felt since the death. Jo came to the family in the usual way babies were born into all families. She was tiny, soft and pink. When you touched her hand, her little fingers grasped yours and held on tight. The family gathered round in wonder and watch the tiny miracle that helped to heal their hearts.

As Jo grew up on the farm with her Mama and Papa she was happy, content and basked in the love and affection the other family members gave. Eleven years plus separated her from her brothers and sisters in age. Most were grown and married, raising their own families.

She looked on her older brothers and sisters with love, adoration and great respect. They loved, protected and cherished her. She spent her days following behind Mama as she gathered the eggs, churned the butter, and other numerous farm tasks; chattering with each step.

Mama made her the most beautiful dresses from flour sacks. She would don her new dress, parade around the house and eventually end up on the top of the quilt box where she sang and danced for hours.

When Papa came in from the fields he would pitch in to help Mama finish her chores so they could enjoy the evening together. Jo never witnessed an unkind word spoken between Mama and Papa and grew up assuming everyone spoke with soft gentle speech.

The family cradled and protected Jo, but life has a way of reaching in when least expected, to make you hurt and break your heart. When Jo was 12 Mama died unexpectedly, filling Jo’s heart with hurt, pain and the awareness that her happy little world would never be the same. Nothing eased the pain, only time seemed to lessen it.

When Jo was 20 she married Ross. He was impulsive, humorous, and his eyes held a special twinkle. They laughed together, shared together and loved together. Two little girls were born to them, two year apart, Melinda and Monalea. Six years later a son, Trey was a welcome addition to their family.

Ross was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Three years were spent in treatments, surgeries, specialist and promises. These years were spent in fear, hope and then more fear; yet life marched on unaware of the pain. Once again Jo felt the hurt, pain and emptiness brought on by loss, but this time she was responsible for 3 small children; three small children that continually reached out for comfort, stability and with questions. That same year Jo lost a much treasured sister, Katy and her dear sweet Papa.

Three years past and Jo held the small broken family together with courage, strength and love for God. Time once again lessened the pain and loneliness of loss.

In time Jo fell in love with Lawrence. And along with Lawrence came 3 beautiful girls Cindy, Stephanie, Melinda and precious boy, Bruce. Jo found herself the mother of 7, ages ranging from 4 to 14.

There were mouths to feed, laundry to wash, chores to be done, budgets to be kept and love to give. Quickly Jo learned that God made a heart so that the love inside never ran out. In truth, the more love you gave, the more love your heart produced.

Time has a way of trudging on. Where did the child go that danced on the quilt box? Where did the girl go that laughed and took great pleasure in school chums? Where did the young mother go full of hopes and dreams? And who was the stranger that now gazed back at her in the mirror?

Mom and Dad’s home is quite now, all the children are grown and have families of their own. If you listen closely you can hear laughter in the hall, children’s voices in the yard and the sound of games being played at the big dining table.

As I search the memories on my heart I see that Mom provided us with a home filled with:

Stability
Love
Courage
Strength
Laugher
Wisdom
Persistence
Determination
Fairness
Inspiration
A Constant
And the most important – The love for God!

Proverbs 31:28 "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her"