As my dear mum turned 70 this year, I wanted to share some words about this incredibly special lady. It's impossible to articulate how I really feel about her, but I'll share the toast I wrote for her birthday dinner.
What a wonderful privilege to call this
woman our mum and Grammie. From a new wife with three under three to a loving
Grammie that has expanded her flock to 14…your life has been spent pouring into
and building up the people around you.
Mum, your caring and nurturing traits are
what got you the nickname Mama Ellen at Meadowview and they’re what are at the
very essence of who you are. You started off helping out with a brood of five
brothers, picked the perfect profession when you became a nurse and spent 30+
years caring for others. And each one of us got the benefit of having you as
our MUM.
I dare say I had the best spot in the
family – as the “baby”. It meant that I got to spend one on one time with you
while the rest were at school. These
memories include baking bread, trips to town, learning to read, many many songs
and the time you took me to see my hero – Mr. Dressup.
Honestly, it wasn’t until this past year
that I fully realized the sacrifices you made for us. When I remember my days
at home, I don’t remember you having many hobbies of your own or nights out
with a friend. You were old faithful. Preparing a meal for the family, cleaning
up from the meal, helping one of us with a homework assignment, counseling
another through some tears, repairing a ripped pair of pants, and making
lunches before calling it a night. Mum, you gave everything you had for your
family and we are all here tonight to say THANK YOU.
One thing that I’m so grateful for and as
an adult have such an appreciation for is our spiritual upbringing. Through it
all, you never wavered - faithfully taking us to church on Sunday, Family night
on Tuesday, youth group on Fridays all while building a strong foundation of
faith in each of your children.
We’ve had many laughs over the years as
well. You aren’t afraid to be silly and enjoy a good belly laugh. Actually, a
lot of those laughs came on family vacations. Who could forget the squeals of
terror on the Cabot Trail or the famous “row boat” incident at Rainbow Valley? Your
first trip down the waterslide was one to remember but we were all thrilled
that you were brave enough to jump in!
Mum, you truly reflect the meaning of love
shared with us in First Corinthians 13.
Mum is patient, Mum is kind. She does
not envy, she does not boast, she is not proud. She does not dishonor
others, she is not self-seeking, she is
not easily angered, she keeps no record of wrongs. Mum does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth. Mum always
protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Mum, tonight we want to celebrate who you
are and who you’ve been. We are all so grateful for the unfailing love and
support. Happy 70th birthday and we look forward to celebrating many
more with you.
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