Grandchildren

I had this made for Mom a number of years ago, maybe about 2001 or 2002. She really liked it, and it hung in the den, and then in Mom's room until she left. I brought it back with me, and now I look at it every day when I wash dishes. I see the names of all those grandchildren, and I think, "NINE grandchildren! What a blessing that must have been! I have only one (and a half!) and I can scarcely imagine multiplying that joy by 9!"

Description of a mother by Demetrius

When I was a very little boy and had fallen down and hurt myself, I would run into the house and find my mother. She would not bother to ask me what in the world I had been doing to bruise myself that way; or scold me for not being more careful. She would take me in her arms and hold me until I was through with my weeping, and everything was all right again. Perhaps my skinned knee still hurt, but I could bear it now. You see, my mother was always definitely on my side, no matter how I came by my mishaps.

Of course, Demetrius was drawing a similarity between his mom's love, and that of Jesus. But still, I think it's a rather fitting description of a mother's love. Don't you?

50th Anniversary

Mom 1985 - 1998

This was Cabbage Patch Christmas. I don't know how long Mom had to wait in line to make sure her granddaughters had Cabbage Patch dolls. Mom loved Precious Moments figurines, especially the nativity scene.

Going to Sea World
Nancy and Jack's wedding
When we lived in Albuquerque, Mom and Dad went to the Balloon Fiesta with us.

Mom 1983 - 1985

Easter of 1984
Several times, Mom and Dad joined us for a weekend in northern New Mexico to enjoy the fall colors.
Mom let Michelle and EB help her fry chicken. She didn't even seem to mind the mess; she just enjoyed their pleasure so much.

For EB's 4th birthday, Mom helped me make this Care Bears cake. We didn't read the instructions very closely, and did not see the line on the pan, the "do not fill above this line." The cake overflowed in the oven and made a tremendous mess. I now know she probably felt like crying, but what I remember is the two of us laughing ourselves silly. (I wish I could say I remember cleaning up the oven so she wouldn't have to, but the truth is I remember no such thing!)
The cake is decorated with countless little stars. I remember helping, but I think Mom did most of them.

The picture below was taken during the brief time we lived in San Antonio.

Mom 1978 - 1983

I don't remember thinking much about Mom on our wedding day. I guess my thoughts were elsewhere! But I can see in her eyes that this day gave her great joy too. Mom and Dad came to see us in Lubbock many times. This was perhaps the first. We went up to Palo Duro Canyon to see the play "Texas."



Mom loved being a grandmother!
Four Anns - Mom was pleased to see the tradition continue. (And now there are 5!)


No one could fry chicken like Mom.

The following pictures are from a vacation Mom & Dad took to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in 1982.

Bright Spots on the Journey

Mom and I were driving to Austin (2003) to see Nancy. I helped her out of hte car on NacoPerrin where we saw this lovely patch of bluebonnets. It was really hard for her to get up from sitting on the curb by the side of the road!!!
Below, in 2004, who enjoys a Grandmother cake more than Mom?

Enjoying hot chocolate on a cold day in Austin

What woman was ever adored more?


For a very long time, Mom enjoyed looking at pictures of days gone by. This album is from their early marriage, but she also liked the 50th anniversary album, and all the pictures of children and grandchildren that were sent to her.

I am not much of a pianist, but Mom never seemed to notice. She loved to hear music, especially the old hymns.


Who likes banana pudding? I loved how Mom could so thoroughly enjoy simple things, even as her illness progressed.


In 2005, when M&D moved to Merrill Gardens, Mom's illness seemed to begin to settle into a confused contentment. If I must be confused someday, I pray it will be a confused contentment!


A fancy, new walker increased Mom's mobility. Again here, I can see the pleasure in simple things.


Dad's faithfulness and undying affection spoke volumes. Here is Mom during her brief stay at Barton House.


And how in the world did we find the blessing of Grace House? Mom and Dad together again, no worries about how much care Mom would need. She would not need to move again, and they could be together. Below, Mom still enjoys the family albums, though she no longer talks.




In 2006, we went took M&D to the other Grace House, and Michelle played piano while we all sang. Mom had been mostly silent at that point, but she tried to sing along on "Jesus Loves Me." We knew we had connected with something deep within!