One of the dearest women on earth is ready to depart this world and enter her heavenly home. She has been with me at the birth of all my children, she taught me how to take care of infants, what it means to love your husband with your whole heart, how to bake a pie, how to enjoy my children, the importance of family, what it means to honor God, how to encourage others, the art of training young men to be rugged individuals, and how to be a neighbor to one and all. As we moved to all four corners of this country as well as overseas, I looked forward to her visits, always found ways to extend her time with us, and cried with my children when she left. I have called her mama for quite a few decades and I have quietly grieved as she progressively lost the memory of my voice. But my heart clings to the precious memory of her wise, loving words. I thank God every day that He allowed me to marry a man who blessed me with such a treasure.
