It’s Summertime, Mom

“Her children rise up and call her blessed…”

Proverbs 31:28

 

It’s summertime and I remember… I remember swimming. Making whirpools and wavepools ’til our legs and arms ached. I think about impromptu ”picnics” in the middle of the family room. FOBs (”Flat On Backs,” mom called ‘em - we didn’t have to sleep, but we did  have to lie down and be quiet for a little rest) watching the “Munsters” and drinking lemonade. I see us playing pretend, reading books, telling stories, and coloring (mine always broke ’cause I pushed too hard – so the colors would be really dark). I hear the piano playing and songs being sung; made-up melodies, kids tunes, great old hymns, and Christmas carols (yes, even in the summer). We’d turn down the air conditioner, get out heavy blankets, make hot chocolate (with extra marshmellows),  watch good ol’ Bing in “White Christmas,” and have Christmas in July. Board games, bible stories, backyard BBQs. No bake cookies, homemade pizza, and learning how to cook (and clean up). Lots of fun and lots of love… I remember.

     All these memories wash over me carrying along special people with them. My awesome sister, Amanda (it’s just us two girls – I’m older, but only by 21 months), my blessed daddy, and…my mom (Pam). There are others, family and friends that sometimes ride in on my summertime waves, but always there is my mom. When my sister and I were young she was able to “stay home” with us. Although I’m sure for her and my dad there were certainly times when money was low and stress was high, overall she would tell you (as would we) that God really blessed us with the gift of her presence at home. She was truly a “work at home” mom. Not just because she was wonderful at creating and caring for our meals, our needs, and our home (she was of course), but because of so much more. Then, and now, my mom makes life deeper and richer and sweeter. She really sees you - not just who you are, but who God made you to be. She gives, loves, listens, learns, teaches, soothes, guides, prays for, and nurtures you. She was (and is) full of that Jesus love that every precious child needs and longs for.

     As summers come and go and I change and grow… I have gained not only an amazing mother, but a steadfast friend. I’ve continued to be cherished by my mom and at the same time been blessed to see the Lord do incredible things in her own life. When Amanda and I were nearing the end of highschool, my mom knew God wanted her to go back to college, so she did. Not only did she attend Longview CC completing her Associate’s Degree, she went on to Avila and got her Bachelor’s as well. Then, “Grandma Pam” received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University. Graduating top of her class, she was honored with the “Sheldon Lowden Outstanding Student Achievement” Award. I’ll never forget seeing my mom in her cap and gown that day, standing onstage in front of all those people, while they presented her with this special recognition. I felt so proud, so inspired, so in awe. Her faith and perseverance blew me away. There were lots of family and friends there to celebrate with us, but on this summer day one memory sticks out to me the most. After the ceremony, we gathered out front for a family picture – dad, mom, Amanda, and I. My mom was all smiles – as you can imagine the graduate should be, but her happiness was nothing compared to dad’s (and she’d tell you the same). He was truly aglow – so full of joy and respect and love for my mom. It was like there was this sweet secret that he had always known and treasured, and in that moment everyone was getting to share in it. In the beauty and heart of… Pam.

When summer comes, I remember. And I see, I hear, I thank God for - my mom.

 

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~ by melodymilbrandt on June 10, 2008.