This poem "Simplicity With wisdom" was written a little over a month prior to Mom leaving us. April 18, 1997 was the day I wrote it for our Mother & Daughter Banquet at our church. I didn't have a chance to read it that weekend, so I dedicate it now to my Mother. I remember times growing up Mom reading from the Psalms. She always had a song in her heart, and I remember her sweet voice singing as she cleaned the house and took care of her children.
The day before my mother passed away, I read a devotional calender which had Scripture that had always been a comfort to me to give to others who have lost a loved one. Now these words were bringing comfort to me:
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
John 14:3 & 4
Mother had many friends she enjoyed being with. We would stroll various malls, talking and having lunch together. She had many children (seven) who loved her dearly, and Grandchildren (fifteen) and Great-grandchildren (eight). She has a few more now, also a Great - great granddaughter and son. She also has many little ones in heaven with her, that she is taking care of until we all meet again. Below is a poem she left to be read to all her children at her funeral.
To Those I Love
If I should ever leave you whom I love
To go along the Silent way, grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk
of me as if I were beside you there.
(I'd come - I'd come, could I but find a way! But would not tears of grief be barriers?) And when you hear a song or see a bird I loved, please do not let the thought of me be sad...For I am loving you just as I aways have...you were so good to me!
Mom, this was a beautiful poem you left your children. I had a hard time typing the words - it brought back so many memories. We don't know who wrote it, but we know the words are from your heart to your children.
Thank you Mom, we love and miss you.
Ludington Lighthouse
North Pier Head
The Lighthouse on this background is the Ludington - North Pier Head.
My brother Robert had the hard task of pouring her ashes from the pier, he did it without other siblings being present - Mother and son saying goodbye to each other. His wife Lana stayed by his side as he watched his mother's ashes freely flow with the wind.
I don't know why my mother picked this way to have as her burial or why she wanted her ashes to be poured over Lake Michigan. Maybe she had precious memories there. This I do know: Jesus is the Lighthouse, I owe my life to Him. He is the Light of the world which shines in the darkness, protecting us from harm. Keeping us from the danger of unseen things that can destroy or harm us. Where would this ship be without Jesus as the Lighthouse?
Thank you Lord, for being my Savior.
A rose for our mother until we see you again in our Home in Heaven - We love and miss you. Your children, Jack, Robert, Kathy, Charlotte, Phyllis, Diane and Chuck.
