Mom

Today is my mom's 107th birthday. Theses are the words I spoke at her memorial service nnine years ago. I still miss here every day.

MOM

            One of my earliest memories is standing in my crib and listening to the mourning doves outside my window. They sounded so sad. Mom told me my first sentence was during that moment when I said, "They're crying for their mommy." I knew from my infancy that the safest place to be when life was sad or painful was in my mother's arms. It was always warm and secure there. I remember many nights snuggling in her lap while she rocked me and sent all my fears away.

            I still long for the safety of her lap when life is scary and painful.

            We all must grow up and leave that safe spot, and we all did. But mom had prepared us well for life. She gave us the tools we would need to survive. We just had to follow her example of faith, love, and laughter.

            Mom's faith in God and confidence in his love were unshakable. She knew that a loving God would always be there for her. There was a purity and assurance in that faith that always guided her. Her faith was a solid rock, a safe harbor, as warm and secure as her lap was for her babies.  The last time mom spoke to me was just a year ago. She could no longer carry on a conversation, but for a moment she was there with me. We sang, "Jesus Loves Me." At the end of the song she said, "That's right, honey, He still does."

            Mom loved everybody. She loved her husband. She loved her children. She loved her grandchildren. She loved her friends.

            Oh how she loved our dad. From the moment she met him on a blind date and sat in the rumble seat of the car with him, he was her man. She devoted her life to making him happy, and she succeeded. Their love for one another was a constant thing. They demonstrated true love and marriage everyday.

            She loved my brothers and me with a fierce, protective love that knew no limits.

We all know that Dad loved me best, but mom loved us all. My brothers were the joy of her life. She was always so proud of them. I can't remember how many times we walked down the railroad tracks to watch the boys play football. She didn't want to miss a game. She thought we were all geniuses and felt sorry for everyone else because her children were perfect. We were frequently a trial to her. I clearly remember the time I stole some ice cream from the Beverly Market. I must have been about five. She was very angry with me and tied me to the clothesline with the dog's leash as a punishment. That probably would be an unacceptable punishment in today's' world, but it was very effective.

            Then came the grandchildren. They were each perfect - intelligent, beautiful, and far above average. They could do no wrong. What joy they brought to her and dad!

            Mom was blessed with a multitude of friends because she was such a good friend. And she was so funny and so much fun! Who but my mom would put on two bras, one forward and one reversed, and wear it in a fashion show as a double-breasted suit? What other 85-year-old lady put on a sweat suit and slam-dunked shots for the church basketball team? She never did take herself too seriously. Life was just too much fun.

            I can only imagine what mom is doing now. I like to think she has settled into heaven and is talking with dad and all the others who are there. She once told me that one of the things she hoped to find in heaven was banana trees. She wanted to fly from banana tree to banana tree eating all she wanted. What I do know is that this world is better because Byrtle Burrow lived here and I miss her.

Afterglow

            I woke up this morning in the warm afterglow of a wonderful week end. Our church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The week end was packed with different events full of friendship and reunion.

            We became part of this church only eight years ago, so many of those returning to celebrate were unknown to me. It wasn’t so much any one individual that I rejoiced in seeing as it was the outpouring of love between so many that just overwhelmed us all. The hugs, the stories, the laughter and the tears became all inclusive and swept us all along in a happy glow. The big dinner party for 200 people on Saturday evening went off almost without a hitch. The fact that a big storm blew out all electrical power an hour before the party did not diminish the joy. Our dinner was by candlelight and the room grew warm in the absence of air conditioning, but the evening was perfect.

            Sunday morning was the best part of the week end. I always enjoy our Sunday morning worship, but this Sunday was awesome. The building was packed with people, many who had traveled far to be here for the occasion. These are the people who helped to build this church into a community of God’s love. These are the people who are here now, helping to build on the vision of those builders. These are the people who are our children and will carry God’s love into the next generation. I am glad to be part of this church family.

            The music was incredible. It was majestic and glorious. We sang “Crown Him With Many Crowns” and “The Church’s One Foundation,” both of which were sung at the very first organization service of this congregation fifty years ago.  We sang well. The folk group which was an important part of the church’s life in the 70’s sang “They Will Know We Are Christian by Our Love.” They joyously reflected an important part of this church’s history. The choirs and musicians that are part of today’s church made us know that God was present in that place. The music was spine-tingling good. 

            Four ministers who have served this church participated in the service. It was interesting to see the diverse personalities who have all been so important to the life of this church. Three of these people were here before our arrival. It was interesting to meet them and try to match them with the stories I have heard about past times.

            It was a good week end. Old friends and new friends. Music that inspired. Good food. Much laughter. Stories of long ago and visions for a future. The laughter of children. Communion with the saints.

            God is good. To God be the glory.

Disney

            We have just returned from another magical week at Disney World. This time we were accompanied by our fourteen year old granddaughter and her best friend. We did all the usual Disney things. We rode the rides, saw the shows, got autographs from funny characters, and did a lot of giggling. We came home with another bunch of happy memories.

            I first went to Disneyland in California in 1955, shortly after the park opened. I was fourteen years old. Admission was $1. That just got you into the park. You had to buy a coupon book to go on the rides. There were no big thrill rides. I think the Jungle Boats were the scariest ride there, but it was a place of such amazing fun. I fell under the spell of Disney’s magic and went back more times than I can count.

             We got engaged at Disneyland while flying over London town on the Peter Pan ride. It was an evening full of sparkling romance.  We took our four small children there and watched them fall under its spell of magic.

            We moved to the east coast and did not return to Disneyland for many years. When our youngest son graduated from high school we took him and his older brother to Florida’s Disney World. Along with our teenage boys we once again fell under the spell of Disney’s magic. We began making the trip to Florida on a regular basis. Ten years ago we had a wonderful family reunion there with all of our children and grandchildren. It is such fun to see another generation discover the wonderful world of Disney. We have taken each of our grandkids when they were young teens. We have gone with just the two of us. We never seem to grow tired of the place. Our oldest granddaughter worked there for a year after she graduated from college. She wins the prize for loving Disney best..

            This trip we did something we had never done before. My husband and I each rented an ECV (electronic convenience vehicle) and rode as we went through the parks. I felt like a little old lady riding my scooter, but my feet didn’t hurt and I sure did enjoy the day more. It has been more than fifty years since I first went to Disneyland. I think it is OK to admit I am ready to ride from now on.

            We look forward to our next adventure in Disney World.

A Storm With Silver Linings

            Friday our part of the world was hit by a great big, huge enormous storm. We were expecting a thunder storm, but nothing like the one we got. We were winding down at the end of a very hot day – the temperature hit 104 degrees Friday (about 40 degrees Celsius for friends down under) – when suddenly the biggest thunder storm in my memory blew through. Trees and power poles broke like tooth picks in its fury. Electricity went out across several states.

             We went to bed hoping the power would be on by morning, but that was just wishful thinking. It is weird how we you forget how much we rely on electricity. My first problem was that in my all-electric kitchen I had no way to make coffee. I am not nice without my morning coffee. We set off for the local coffee shop to get a fix for my habit. None of the traffic signals were working, so driving was a little tricky, but most drivers were thoughtful and we all just took turns through the intersections. We were delighted to see the shopping center had power and pulled up to the coffee shop to find a line stretching down to the corner. It would take an hour to wait in that line, so we thought we would just go to McDonalds and get coffee. As we drove around town we realized that the reason for the long line was that there was nowhere else with power and nowhere else to get coffee. We waited in line.

            My coffee need taken care of we tried to figure out what to do with the day.  It was too hot to do more than a quick cleanup of our yard before we began to long for air-conditioning. We discovered that our granddaughter had power and we were welcome to crash with her.  It is strange to realize that we are old enough to have a grown-up grandchild who can shelter us from the storm. We stayed at her house until bedtime. It was a wonderful afternoon of family fun as more of the family gathered in the coolness of her house. We watched movies, played on the internet, and enjoyed an unplanned day of togetherness. Some of the family stayed there for the night but we headed home to sleep in our hot, hot house.

            Sunday we gathered at church. The electrical power had been restored to the church building. After services several of us who were still powerless gathered there and enjoyed a respite from the heat and some time to visit with friends we don’t have a chance to see often. In the late afternoon we came home to our very hot house and emptied the refrigerator. I was grateful that I had not been to store recently since everything had to be thrown away. As darkness fell we went to the shopping center, usually a pretty quiet place on Sunday evening. All of the stores and restaurants were packed with people seeking refuge from their hot, dark houses. One of my granddaughters works in a shoe store. She said it was busy all day with people trying on, but not buying shoes. We eventually came home and tried to sleep, but it was just too hot.

            Early Monday morning we heard a loud bang and then the wonderful sight of lights coming on the wonderful hum of the air-conditioner. It was a happy moment. I made coffee, smiled, and thanked the Lord for family and friends and electricity.

            My still powerless daughter and granddaughter came to share our electricity. My fourteen year old granddaughter and I sat at the kitchen table and colored together like we did when she was little. It was fun to visit and laugh with this beautiful girl of mine who is no longer a little girl. They headed home in the evening when their power was restored. A still powerless friend came over to do a load of laundry. We had a lovely visit. My still powerless older daughter and son-in-law spent the night. They just couldn’t take one more sleepless night in their much too hot house.

            There are still thousands without power. I am thankful for the many utility crews working hard to restore the power. I will try to be more appreciative of the many comforts and blessings that come with the wonder of electricity.

51

Last year our family hosted an amazing, wonderful party to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary. We are still glowing from the love showered on us that day. This year we celebrated 51 years together and the family gave us a card and wished us happy anniversary. Fifty-one is just another anniversary, not a big party year. But fifty-one years is a reason to celebrate that we are still here, still healthy, and still in love. In honor of the day we took a holiday trip.

I've always wanted to see Falling Water, the home in the mountains of Pennsylvania designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. So we made a trip to the beautiful Laurel Highlands to visit the house. It truly is an amazing place. I would love to live in that house. It is not nearly as big as I had expected, no bigger than many suburban homes. It sits over a waterfall and blends beautifully into the woods that surround it. I believe I could sit in the great room or on one of terraces forever and just bask in the serenity and the beauty surrounding the house.

For a change of pace we visited Fort Necessity. As my daughter said, “What could say I love you better than a visit to a battle field?” Fort Necessity is the site of a battle lost by 21 year old George Washington. It was the first battle of the French-Indian war. That is a part of history I knew almost nothing about. The reenactors were very entertaining and very interesting. 

 

In the evening we sat on the big porch of our hotel and watched a beautiful sunset. We feel quite blessed to be able to celebrate fifty-one years together.

Fiddler On The Roof

This week-end we went to see a production of Fiddler On The Roof at our local community theater. Great story with wonderful music. Anyone who has raised children and watched them grow up and leave home for lives of their own will identify with Tevye's struggles as his daughters make decisions that cause him to reconsider his faith and traditions. There are funny scenes that makes me laugh, “Would it spoil some grand, fantastic plan if I were a wealthy man?” There are sweet scenes that are so very true, “Sunrise, sunset.”

 Two scenes always make me cry. The second daughter is in love with a dissident who has been sent to Siberia. As she is boarding the train to join him she says says to her father, “God only know when we shall see see each other again!” Tevye replies, “We shall leave it in His hands then.” Have you ever watched your child leave home, not knowing when or if you would see him again?

The scene that is almost too painful to watch comes when his third daughter runs away and marries a man of another faith. This is more than Tevye can bear. He is torn between love for his child and the faith and traditions that hold his life together. Tradition wins and he rejects his daughter. He turns away and leaves her in tears. He says she is dead to him. This scene is heart-wrenching. I cannot imagine anything that would cause me to reject my child. I would be hurt, but I don't think there is a force strong enough to turn away from one of my children. 

 

I came out of the theater singing, “Sunrise, sunset, Sunrise, sunset, I don't remember growing older, When did they?”

My children have long ago grown-up and left the home of their childhood, but in my heart they will always be my precious little children.

Transit of Venus

When my husband the astronomer was twelve years old he put two dates on his calender, June 8, 2004 and June 5, 2012. He has mentioned these dates and their importance to me often over the last fifty plus years. These were the dates of the two times in his lifetime that he might be able to see the transit of Venus across sun. This rare astronomical event last happened in 1874 and 1882. It will next happen in 2117 and 2125. In 2004 the day was clear and he was able to see this great wonder. With welding glasses to shield his eyes, he watched the great event from our back yard. He was awe struck.

Tuesday was the day, the last time in his life that he would be able to watch this wondrous event. The transit was scheduled to begin in our area about six in the evening and be visible until sunset. The welding glasses were waiting so he could look at the sun. His schedule had been cleared for this event for sixty-two years. In the late afternoon thick clouds rolled in, obscuring the sun. The transit would happen without him being able to see it this time. Fortunately modern technology made his disappointment much smaller. He has his computer connected to a telescope in New Mexico that had a clear view of everything. He sat in front of his computer for more than three hours watching as the small dark dot that was Venus slowly moved across the face of the sun. He took pictures and made a time lapse video of it all. It really is fascinating to watch as he condensed the three hour event into one minute of viewing time. You can even see telephone wires appear across the the screen as the sun sets and Venus moves out of view.

For my husband the heavens really do declare the glory of God.

Where Did May Go?

It's June. Where did May go? The whole month just seems to have flown by without me noticing. I know things happened in May. Here is a list, in no particular order, of some of things that went on in my life in the merry month of May.

1. I turned 71. According to the Good Book the span of life is three score and ten. After that it's all grace. So last year was just living on grace.
   
   
2. I read some books: “Light On Snow,” by Anita Shreve, a sweet story about love, loss, and hope.”Nothing Daunted” by Dorthy Wickenden, the true tale of two high society girls who take a job teaching in a one room school in the mountains of Colorado in 1916 -a good read. “Christianity After Religion” by Diana Butler Bass, a study of sociological trends in American Christianity. Some interesting observations, but way too many words.
   
   
3. I went to eleven water aerobics classes and eight yoga classes.
   
   
4. Mother's Day lunch was eaten at my granddaughter's house. A new generation is taking over.
   
   
5. I rang bells in the bell choir and made beautiful music.
   
   
6. The Senior Chorale put on a great concert. I love singing in that group.
   
   
7. I planted red geraniums in the back yard and white petunias in the front yard.
   
   
8. For the first time in my life I saw the “ring of fire” during a lunar eclipse.
   
   
9. I listened to a friend who is going through one of life's rough spots.
   
   
10. I learned how to make playlists on my new I-pod.
    
    
11. I went out to lunch with friends several times.
    
    
12. I paid the bills and balanced the checkbook.
    
    
13. I was asked to serve as a deacon in our congregation. I start this month.
    
    
14. My tooth broke in half. The dentist fixed it.
    
    
15. I sat on my front porch rocker and counted my blessings. I like being retired.

Memorial Day

I really do like Memorial Day. I love all the flag waving. I love the parades. I love the picnics. I love the concerts full of music that makes me proud to be an American. The ugly politics we usually hear has been replaced by words of gratitude and patriotism. I truly am grateful for this great country of ours. God bless America!

I have a small flag hanging in my window with two stars shining brightly, one for each of my family who are currently serving in our military. One star is for my grandson, the airman. 

The other star is for my son the soldier, who is safely home after four tours in Iraq.

Senior Chorale

There are lots of problems with growing old. Teeth fall out. Aches and pains become a normal part of life. Old friends are lost. Fortunately, God, in His great wisdom, also gives us many joys to help this part of life become a time rich in blessings too.

 For me one of the best things about getting older is being a part of the Bowie Senior Chorale. Once a week for the past eight years I've gone to the senior center to spend two hours learning to sing and learning to live. The time we spend together is one of the highlights of my week. This group of 100 people have learned to make beautiful music. Half the group can't read music and most have no formal training, but our lively young director, Craig, inspires us and teaches us and makes sing far beyond our expectations. Our inner divas shine through our wrinkled, well worn bodies and for a little while we feel young again.

 Last night we sang a rousing program full of songs about America to a sold out house. I believe our audience left happy and proud to part of this great country of ours.

The Dentist

“Wow! That's really big. It's enormous.” These words did not bring me any comfort as the dentist checked my mouth to inspect the tooth that had broken last week. He told me the entire front half of the tooth had broken off, and the back half was a filling he had put there five years ago. He wasn't sure if he could save it. I like my dentist. We've become friends over the forty years that he has taken care of my teeth. He is a kind and gentle man. I try to be a good patient, but I really am a wimp. I hate sitting in the dentist's chair. “Open wide,” he said and he went to work. First there were needles. Lots of needles. I don't get numb easily. Then there was the the little jack hammer drilling away the part he didn't like, along with the the suction machine, the blow gun, an erector set and the little sunlamp. I didn't know my mouth could open that far. He poked and punched and prodded around in my mouth for almost two hours. Finally he was done. I still have my tooth, but if it breaks again it will have to come out. Teeth wear out over time. I had done everything right and the tooth still broke. This getting old stuff has a lot of disadvantages.

Mother & Grandmother

These four children of mine fill me with love, joy and pride. I am indeed blessed

We had Mother's Day lunch at our granddaughter's house. I don't remember growing older. When did she become such a grown-up?

Nurse's Week

This is national nurse's week. To celebrate I thought I’d share one of favorite nurse stories. Thirty years ago I worked in a big inner-city hospital. It was hard work, but usually I enjoyed the job and loved taking care of those in my care. One day I was assigned to care for Agnes. Agnes was an elderly lady who had suffered a stroke. She was not able to do much for herself. I had spent a good deal of time with her that morning. I had fed her breakfast, helped her brush her teeth, given her a bath and even a back rub. I got her up in a chair and fixed her hair up with ribbons. She seemed grateful. I have a habit of singing while I do chores, and as I was changing her sheets I was singing a song without even being aware that I was singing. Agnes sat and listened for a while. Finally she said, “Honey,when you were young, I bet you could sing.” Do you know any good good nurse stories?

Lunch Conversation

My astronomer husband and I have been married for more than fifty years. We really have almost nothing in common - except for the many years of living together, the five kids, the ten grandkids, and the fact that he is just so cute. Recently he joined the SLOOH Space Camera site. He spends many hours viewing the sky and observing the stars and planets. He is enthralled by all he is able to see. His conversation is now dominated by his observation of the sky using this telescope. Our lunch conversation today sounded sort of like this:

D - “When you plot the same right ascension and declination you see a different part of the sky each time you look.” S- “This is a big salad. I'll give you some.” D – “I am about to complete photographing Pluto's movement.” S –“ I still think Pluto is a planet.” D – “It's only a plutiod - only 14th magnitude brightness.” S - “This is a good sandwich.” D – “The sun is 10 to the 16th times brighter than Pluto.” S -”I think I'll have ice cream for dessert.” D - “Me too.”

Communion

One of the things I get to do at church is prepare the communion for our Sunday morning services. This has never been a chore for me. It has always felt like a privilege. I have so many memories that surround communion. Usually the church is quiet while I get things ready and it becomes a time a peaceful meditation for me. The scriptures say that we are to remember Jesus as we gather around the communion table. I do think about Jesus, but I also feel surrounded by all the people who have shown me Jesus over the years.

In our tradition we pass trays filled with small cups of grape juice along the pews. Each person takes one of the small cups and drinks the juice as we reflect on it's meaning.

I grew up in a family where church was very much part of our everyday life. One of my earliest memories is standing on a chair in the church kitchen helping my mom put the little glass cups into the trays. As I got a bit older I was allowed to fill a bulb syringe with juice and squirt it into the little cups. My mom made this chore seem like a great privilege that only big girls were allowed to do. I'm a big girl now, Mom. I am allowed to fill the little cups all by myself.

Just as funny things happen around the dinner table at home, lots of funny things have happened over the years around the communion table. I think God must have a wonderful sense of humor, and God must laugh with us at our funny mishaps.

One week we prepared the trays on Saturday afternoon and put them into the refrigerator until time for services the next morning. Somehow the refrigerator got set to very, very cold. The juice in the little cups froze solid. We did not notice this until the trays were being passed along the pews and people tried to drink. It was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. It is impossible to drink an ice cube. People tried licking the frozen juice. People tried turning the cups in their hands to thaw them. Some people banged the little cups on the pews or their legs. Everyone got the giggles.

Scripture refers to the fruit of vine as part of the communion. This inspired one minister to substitute grapes for the juice. Instead of trays of juice, plates of grapes were passed along the pews. This felt a bit odd, but it became very funny when we realized that these were not seedless grapes. Just what is the polite thing to do with grape seeds in church?

One Sunday one of the teen-aged boys helping to serve communion was coming back down the steps from the pulpit area when he tripped. The tray flew out of his hands, spilling juice all over him, the floor and everyone sitting on the front row. There was a great deal of jumping up and scurrying around in an effort to clean up the mess. Poor Chris just sat there and said, “Uh-oh.” For years afterward the people getting ready to serve would pray not to pull a Chris.

One of my dear friends would frequently look at me with a sparkle in her eye as we took the cup. We would clink our little cups together and whisper,”Cheers.” For us it was a happy little celebration of being together in God's family. I miss you Julie.

Next time you gather around the communion table, remember that you are part of the family of God. Remember Jesus, and remember all the people who have helped you to celebrate the joy of being a Christian.

Do you have any good stories about communion?

Come to the table.