My Eulogy

*My sister-in-law, Tracy, read this out loud for me today at my mom's memorial service because I didn't think I could physically do it without crying. She did a fantastic job.

Mom.

It is a word that I hear many times a day from the mouths of my three young children as they call out for my help, or tattle on a sibling, or say,“I love you.” It is a word I took for granted until now because I can’t use it anymore. Yes, I can tell you about my mom and I can share stories about her, but I won’t be able to pick up the phone and say, “Hey, Mom! How is your day going?” I have found myself whispering the word “Mom” in quiet moments over these last two days. I am thinking that the word “Mom” is one of the most important words in our language, and I am going to miss saying it.

For such a short word, “Mom” can describe so many things. When I think about my mom, my brain instantly fires out a list of adjectives: gentle, compassionate, tender, kind, loving, gracious, faithful, and pure. When I close my eyes and remember her, many different images flash across my mind.

• I remember when I was sick. She would sit next to me on the couch, cover me with an afghan, and scratch my back. And she would make me a “pink cranberry smoothie” when my throat was sore.

• I remember the feel of her hand in mine. Her hands were so soft and her fingers long and elegant. She never liked the veins on her hands, but to me her hands were beautiful.

• I remember many lunch hours at our favorite restaurant. We would sit and chat about anything and everything. She was my best friend and confidant. We would always split a piece of our favorite dessert—ribbon cake with fresh strawberries.

• I remember cooking together in the kitchen. She was a fantastic cook! My mom could multi-task like no one’s business, her movements to the stove or refrigerator all choreographed like a graceful ballet.

• I remember reading the Little House on the Prairie books together while snuggled up cozy in my bed. She instilled in me a love of reading at a young age.

• I remember the smile of pride on her face as she held my newborn babies in the hospital. She gazed at them as if beholding the most beautiful thing on earth. And for the last six years she poured into their lives by spending quality time with each of them. They knew Grandma loved them very much.

• I remember finding her sitting at the kitchen table intently reading her Bible or working on her Sunday School lesson. God’s Words were living and active to her, and she allowed them to fully impact her life. What an example she set for me!

• I remember the comfort I found in her hugs, and the cheerful tone of her voice. She was always happy to see me and seemed genuinely interested in whatever I wanted to tell her. She was my advice-giver, my listening ear, my rock, my constant.

Yes, the word “Mom” is too short for all the amazing qualities my mom displayed in her life. Books couldn’t contain all of her stories and her acts of kindness. She left giant shoes for me to fill. I pray that I become the kind of wife and mother she was.

Proverbs 31:29-31 says,

“Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

And let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Mom, in my opinion, you have surpassed them all. It is my honor to be your daughter, and I thank God every day that he gave me the gift of you as my mother.

Good-bye, my precious Mom. I love you, and I will see you again one day.