Family: In Honor of the Day and the Woman

She suffered to give me life.
She read the same books over and over because we asked.
She taught me Luke 2 and always reminded me to say the 23rd Psalm until I fell asleep.
She sacrificed her own indulgences to spend her days teaching us at home, in the days when people looked at us funny for not being in school. She worked hard to make school interesting, fun, and Truth-filled.
Whenever we took a road trip, she packed us each a "busy box" filled with games and surprises so we wouldn't be bored.
She let us listen to the George Winston tape on repeat during our hours in the car.
She always made us a lunch.
When we were jealous of our friends who wore uniforms to school, she ordered some for us, so every day we wore uniforms to the "school room."
She always held our heads.
She made sure never to embarrass us or draw attention to our weaknesses.
She drove us 2 hours away each week for piano lessons with the best teacher she could find, which has given me a means of ministry.
She dyed instant pudding with food coloring and let us finger paint with it.
She spent the entire fall semester planning my wedding, including flying out to try on dresses and finalize plans.
She showed respect for her husband and instilled in us respect for our father.
Her letters and phone calls are a constant encouragement and reminder of who we are.
Her table is always lovely and inviting.
She cared for her own mother through the last and darkest days, and has been a profound example not only of motherhood, but of daughterhood.

Hard to really find words, just a few memories and a deep thanks to you, dear Mother.