Dear Aunt Virginia/Mom,
Even though I don't always call you mom, that's the place you will always hold in my heart. Words will never be enough to express how much love, joy, and hope fills my heart whenever I think of you.
I love you for choosing me, over and over. There are so many times in my life when you could have walked away - when my dad kept me from you, when I shut you out and pushed you away as you welcomed me into your home, when I rebelled and ran away, when I got pregnant...and instead, you chose to love me, to comfort me, to help me, to accept me as your own. You have been a beautiful example for me of what Christ is - loving, accepting, and forgiving, while still holding firm to what is right and true and never being afraid to correct me in love.
The way you love Uncle Shorty is inspiring. You are patient with him and devoted to him, and your marriage makes me even more determined to nurture and grow my own. When the two of you talk about your life together, you remind me that marriage is not just about love, or convenience, or what feels good, but instead it is God taking two individual people and molding them into one. It's not always easy and it can be painful, but it is more beautiful and powerful than any of us could ever be alone.
I love the way you love my kids, the way you share our family tree and stories of times I never knew with them. You have given them a grandma, and you have been the best grandma I ever could have hoped for them. You have given them a legacy, and you make sure they know where they've come from and guide them to make smart, Godly choices as they grow into what they will become. You support and encourage them. Their hearts are filled with love at the very mention of your name.
Above all else, I love you for your quiet determination and devotion to Christ.
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises! Proverbs 31:10-31, MSG
You truly are a Proverbs 31 woman, and I love you. Happy Mother's Day!
Love,
Meredith
