I Will Remember Her

I will remember her the way she was before; before Alzheimer's took away her smile, her laughter, her strength, and her words. 

She was and still is the sweetest, most gentle person I have ever known.  She was kind and would never hurt anyone. I remember these things now, but I took them for granted when I was a child.  I thought all moms were like her.

The only time she sat down was when we had company and she sat to visit with them.  She could hardly finish a meal without getting up to serve someone seconds, or refill a glass of tea.  Her kitchen was the place she seemed most comfortable; it was where she belonged, surrounded by her family.   She never complained about the long hours she had to work to feed, clothe, and take care of us, but I'm sure she must have gone to bed exhausted every night. 

She was beautiful; slender, with a lovely face and dark curls.  She bore all five of us children without the help of modern medicine.  She nursed us and diapered us in cloth diapers.  She was physically, emotionally, and spiritually strong.  She always knew what to do and kept a level head.  I always felt safe when I was with her.

Her one ambition was to be a good wife and mother.  She liked school and encouraged us to read and work hard in school, but she had no aspirations of her own.  There never seemed to be time for hobbies or entertainment.  Although, she did take up quilting after we were grown and gone, and her quilts became her most prized possession.

She loved her husband and showed him honor.  They were married for over 60 years and it was beautiful to see them together.  A personal struggle of hers was forgiveness.  Once she swore to never polish Daddy's shoes again after he criticized the way she did it.  She had a hard time forgiving anyone who hurt one of her children.

These are the things I remember about my Mom; her love for her family, her humility, and her kindness.  And this is how I will remember her.