A year ago today...

Mama died. It's been an incredible year of sadness, sorrow, healing, and rejoicing for me. This was the last picture we had made of her. She looks so happy. My brother was home from North Dakota and she always perked up for him. She loved him and my sister-in-law beyond words. My preacher asked me yesterday if I was angry with God for taking my mother. I told him no because I knew she was with the ones she loved the most and who would want an Alzheimer's patient to still be here? So, no. I am no longer angry with God. I had a good, Christian mother who loved her family and did the best that she knew to do. Was she perfect? Far from it. Was she a good role model? Absolutely the BEST role model any daughter could hope to have. It was from her that I learned how to craft, sew, be a homemaker and wife. She was unassuming, loved her family, and had a heart for those in need. She never had fancy clothes, or an expensive home, or lots of money. But she was rich beyond compare. I will leave you with scripture that sums her up completely, Proverbs 31.

Description of a Worthy Woman
10 An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

13 She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.

14 She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.

15 She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.

18 She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.

20 She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.

26 She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:

29 “Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.