Mother’s Gift of Gab

Proverbs 31:28 NKJV, “Her children rise up and call her blessed.”

During the weeks in Houston, my mother was with us to help in anyway she could. She did not keep the night shift, but during the day, she helped keep our daughter’s mind occupied. She had the ‘gift of gab’. You know, one of those people who seemed to never run out of things to say. She kept our daughter entertained (and anyone else who walked in the room).

Strength and Honor

Proverbs 31:25a HCSB, “Strength and honor are her clothing.”

The motel we stayed in our first night was not acceptable to my mother. She set about the next day to find a room closer to the hospital and one she felt safer. She succeeded in finding a hotel in walking distance.

Prayer Room

Proverbs 31:27a NCSB, “She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.”

Passing a prayer room or chapel in the hospital, Mother would encourage me to go in and pray. Most of the time I would ignore her, but she never accepted disobedience very well so occasionally I would go in the prayer room. Sitting there for me would only bring thoughts of the sad situation we were facing.

The Cab Driver

Proverbs 31:20 NCSB, “Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.”

Weekly trips to the hair salon was Mother’s thing. She never knew how to fix her own hair. She made a hair appointment somewhere and took a cab. The cab driver on the return trip had his girlfriend with him. Apparently, they were kissing and making out, as we used to say in the 60’s, all the way back to her hotel. As a result, My mother was livid! She got out of the cab, had a few choice words to say to the driver and walked off. He forfeited his wages that trip.

Belly Dancing

Proverbs A31:18b NCSB, “And her lamp does not go out by night.”

During our stay at MD Anderson, the volunteers would have activities for the parents. Once a week they offered a belly dancing class. Mother decided we should go while my husband stayed with our daughter. What a great idea! We laughed so hard at each other attempting to belly dance with the instructor. It was so nice to escape for a few moments from the stress.

Thankful

Proverbs 31:30 NCSB, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”

I am so thankful for the love and time Mother shared with us. Time is such a fleeting thing, but quality time spent with family and friends demonstrates our love. Tomorrow is not guaranteed so take advantage of today. My mother developed dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Such a heartbreaking thing for a family to experience. Reach out today to your loved ones. Forgive those who hurt you. Let them see Jesus in you.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGhJZ5dlgqg

Nicole Mullins   On My Knees

Paula Wallace

 

For additional readings:

The Waiting Room (Dec.2015)

 

https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2018/07/27/12-18-the-waiting-room/