At the age of 20 I became a mother. I thought that the world was a beautiful place with our daughter in it and it was but one day I ask my mom if I was doing things right. She smiled and told me that yes , but the way will be hard. She also told me that I would be old before I reached the end of it. Still being a young mom, I was happy and I just could not believe that anything could be better than these years.

Now two years later we added another daughter and life was beautiful. I played with them , planted flowers, picked flowers, took them for walks and even let them wade in a small stream. I thought nothing could be lovelier than this.

Then one evening a storm brewed. Lightening flashed, thunder rolled, and the girls as well as myself shook. Still, I covered them with a blanket, pulled them close and sang a song. My oldest daughter looked up at me and said, “Mommy we are not afraid because you are with us.”

The next morning, we woke to birds singing and a request to take a walk. I promised we would after they had lunch. So, no naps for those two and we started our journey up Friendly Hill. after reaching the top we sat down in Gayle and Evelyn Hisam’s yard and caught our breath. I had pushed and prodded the girls even when they wanted to quit. My daughter said , “Mommy we could not have made it without you.” That night with sore legs myself I thanked God for our daily adventure. I remember looking out at the stars and thinking what a great day, for my girls have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I had given them courage and today I gave them strength.

The days went on and we looked at cloud’s stars, flowers and more and I was happy because I showed my kids God..

A son enters the family and we start again, living, loving, learning and watching him learn from a mom. It seemed like days soon turned to weeks and weeks to months and then years. My children are grown They are strong and healthy and walked with courage. and then the way was rough. My children have faced many trials with death and sickness and losing those you love but they have become children that I am proud of.

Today this mother walks a little slower. has good days as well as bad and I finally realize why my mom said âIt Gets Harder.ã

I pray that when my time on earth is no longer that as I walk that shining road and the gates of Heaven are open and slowly close that my children will say….. “We cannot see her but she is with us still.”

This Mother’s Day if your mom is living , love her. If she has walked that road to Heaven she will always be your living presence.

Your mother is always with you…. She is the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, and she is the cool hand on your brow when you’re not feeling well.

If your mom is gone just remember she is inside your laughter, she is crystallized in every tear drop. She is the place you came from, your first home….. And she is the map that you follow with every step you take. She is your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you…not time…not space ….and not even death.

Yes, it gets harder as we get older but there will never be another MOTHER like yours.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Cool, warm, colder, warmer, hot and back to cold……..Seems like Mother Nature is being a little testy.

This week I would like to send my deepest condolences to Barbara Lemaster and her family with the passing of her husband David. We were neighbors and enjoyed watching our kids have fun in Friendly. Dave was a great person and even though they moved we never forgot the wonderful times we had. My girls loved Dave and Barb and Chad and we will never forget Dave. May God Bless the family and friends and may you find your comfort in Jesus.

Celebrating Birthdays this week …………..Barb Webb on the 2nd, Mike Northcraft on the 5th, Rhonda Yost on the 5th,Lana Wise on the 7th , Susan Kisner and Peggy Deaton on the 11th. Hope you all have as beautiful day as you all are.

My Get Well Wishes are sent to…………….Terry Starkey, Darla Steele, Barb Smith, Sharon LeMasters, Lola Bailey, Geneva Cumbridge, Martha Michaels, Bill Williamson, Naomi Jones, Richard and Paula Carroll, Pat Eddy, Donna Johnson, Alta Danser,, Denzil Jones, Lois and Larry Spencer, Donna Scott, Lorraine Owens, Vickie Bowen, Loretta Underwood. Fred Busch, Randy and Carol Stout Carolyn Boston, Ethel Goff, Judy Light, Sharon Bowen, Ashley Knight, Bob Boston, My Friendly Hello is sent to…………………..John Roberts

My Angel Award goes to………………………All the coaches, helpers and players for Summer Sports.

The Thought for the week is………………….We all need a little comfort now and then…. A reminder to help us know that we are not alone in the world….. That there is someone in our corner ready with a hug no matter what. Always know you are being thought of , cheered on, And loved for exactly who you are…..Someone who is beautiful and wonderfully made……Shawl

Through Jesus Christ I Am, Susan