Treasures from Mama...

In the part of southeast Texas where I was born parents are commonly referred to as "Mama" and "Daddy". Even big old grown-up manly men refer to their parents in this way. After we moved north to Colorado we exchanged these terms for "Mom" and "Dad". But I think my mom always preferred "Mama" and I even use this term sometimes when signing emails or texts to my kids. It's a word that is full of affection.

As many of you are aware from reading my blog, my mom has dementia. But long ago she created a document of her last wishes. Among them were instructions to send me the copies she had kept of emails we had sent back and forth over the years. My faithful step-dad (Daddy Glenn) has seen to it that her wish was fulfilled. When I came home from work last night I found a HEAVY box sitting on my porch filled with treasures that Mom had saved for me. Thank you, Mama!

 My mom's name is Mary Jane, hence the M.J. on these albums.

 I especially look forward to reading through the "Warm Fuzzies" notebook.

 I remember this day. We were watching daughter Micah show her 4-H animals. :)

A similar stack of notebooks was sent to my brother James. He and Mom kept in touch via email over the many years he and his family were missionaries all over the globe. I can imagine his pleasure at reading through them.

I'm so glad we're a family of writers. These memories can be passed along as part of our family history. When we fly away to heaven they will no longer be needed, because we will see each other face-to-face and we'll have all of eternity to spend together. But for now, it is so nice to have them.

Thanks, Mama. And thanks, Glenn, for faithfully carrying out her wishes. I love you both!

It's a rainy day in Minnesota. I don't  have to worry about whether or not I should go outside and mow. I think I'll just read some emails, talk to my little brother in Texas, and maybe go visit my daughter and grandgirls later. Hope you all have a great day!

Shalom.