This is a picture of ageless beauty, the kind that doesn’t lose sleep over wrinkles. It emanates from deep within – it’s the sweet essence of the soul. I imagine that many will not be fortunate enough to experience it for themselves, perhaps not even know of someone who possesses this unique beauty. I was blessed beyond measure to know her. This is my mother. I’d say she is no longer with us, but that would not be entirely true. She left with the angels on a brisk October day, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family. In that respect, she is still very much with us. She prayed incessantly for family members, and for anyone else that God “placed on my heart”. I truly believe those prayers are still accomplishing their work. She loved babies and children, whether they be her own or someone else’s. She didn’t tolerate unruly behavior when little one’s came to visit, but was a true master of distraction; cookies, juice and stories always seemed to do the trick. She kept countless journals, diaries, and notes as she always explained, “to keep track of all my blessings.” She laughed heartily, in fact, many of my favorite photos and memories of her are those with a wide, open-mouth laugh. She brought joy, love, and a cake to nearly every gathering. When her sight deteriorated because of macular degeneration and glaucoma, I found it difficult to keep the tears back. She loved sewing, crocheting, reading, and cooking – and would eventually lose the ability to enjoy most of these pastimes. But, instead of lamenting this reality, she would say with a smile, “I’ve seen a multitude of beautiful things, and they are all in my memory bank for safe keeping.”

Ageless beauty, grace and wisdom. She lived ninety wonderful years and was a blessing to all who were privileged to know and love her.