Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day, and this year, in addition to all the wonderful things they're planning to thank me for tomorrow, I thought I'd share a few things I'd like to thank them for.

Bill--I remember that it was Mother's Day weekend in 1981 that we decided to get married, or I convinced you to marry me, I forget which. I have to say that you've been the most faithful (and funny) "determined guardian" I could hope for--and the best friend to walk through the worst of times. Thank you for daily showing me God's strength, patience and love.

Taylor, thank you for keeping up with Annie's blog, even when you're on the road in your big rig. We miss your dry sense of humor, kindness and quiet presence around here when you're gone, but we're always so happy when you get to visit--like this weekend!

Peter, I appreciate your big heart, readiness to help in all our emergencies, and for displaying your love for your little sister every day with the ink on your neck: Annalee. I pray that God give you & your beautiful wife, Cris, a healthy baby girl who never has to look at the inside of Children's Hospital!

Andy, you bring life to our house when you're here--there's always something shakin' when you're in town, and we miss that sense of excitement when you're at school. I appreciate your willingness this summer to care for Annie so your Mom & Dad can have an occasional life, even when you could be out carousing with your peeps.

David--thank you for reaching out to the disabled kids at your school--sticking up for them, helping in their classroom, and just being their friend. Your identification with these kids shows the love Jesus has for them. I hope Annie has friends like you when she gets into high school. Maybe by then, you'll be teaching her class.

Jack, thank you for your love for Annie that spills out of every word you say to her. What a blessing to watch you today confidently wheel her all over Costco--she looked like a little princess protected by her bodyguard brother. And, even though the last 2 years have been exceedingly difficult, God has never failed us. And He will never fail you, either.

Olivia, you are the only other verbal female within our four walls, Annie's best big sister, and my right hand girl. I appreciate your nurturing, steadfast attitude, and your tactful way of telling me that the outfit I've chosen for the day looks way too dorky. Where would I be without you? Forever in mom jeans, no doubt.

Annalee--thank you for being my sweet baboo, my little mystery wrapped around an enigma; and my little reminder that with God, nothing is impossible.

Incredibly blessed,

Jean

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. III John 4

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! Happy Mother's Day Jean!!!! And how they are all blessed to have you for a help meet and mother. And we all all blessed to have our own personal Bible believing Erma Bombeck for a dear friend.

Today I was reading I Peter in the New Living Translation

I Peter 1:6&7

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead even though you have to enjoy many trails for a little while.

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Continuing love and prayers that it will truly be a "little while" longer,
Terri W

Jean said...

Thank you, Terri, and a Happy Mother's Day to you, my faithful friend and pray-er!

Gretchen said...

Okay...crying now. Thanks, Jean.

Happy Mother's Day to a beautiful, incredible, godly mother. Your family reflects your fingerprints all over their lives. You teach me something new every day, whether how to let something go, or to really be in the moment.

Be blessed, my friend.

Lynn Casey said...

Happy Mother's Day Jean!!!! I love reading about your family every day on how close they are. That is what a family is just what you said. Annie you are a lucky little girl to have an amazing family. Keep up the good work. God is amazing all the time!!!

God Bless you all

Lynn C

Anonymous said...

Jean...

Really....with Bill the incredible tech-ie that he is, can't you figure out a way to post a "Kleenex Needed" warning at the top of your Blog, so people like me, who cannot EVER control the faucet of tears, wouldn't have to drip snot all over her shirt??? I beg you!

Happy Day after Mother's Day to one mom (& dad and family) who consistently inspires and grows me through the rough spots and endless praise of her life. Your kids are amazing and all that you said, so true. To God be the glory!

Vickie

Anonymous said...

Jean, I second what Vickie said about The Tissue Warning! Wow. I just get home, sit down to catch up on things, and your blog ruins any mascara that might still be clinging to life!
Jean, I think you have no idea how very much your words inspire me. No, "inspire" is not enough. "Motivate/persuade/refocus/disturb" - yes, disturb. I never leave your blog without a sense of I have so much more to do.

God has blessed you with a literary flair. Lucky us~

love you,
pam

Jean said...

Gretchen, thanks for hanging with us, even through the tears. ;)
Lynn, I agree, God IS amazing all the time--whether or not we see it at the moment!
Vickie & Pam--I don't have Bill's "one cry per quarter" rule. Isn't crying part of the mom job description??