Deep Roots

As you all know, I love taking pictures! I'm always seeing a "Kodak moment" in things most would just ignore or pass by. Even my DH often asks, "Why are you taking a picture of that????"

This tree (or what's left of it) is at the side of our house. *Have I mentioned that we live in the "The Arkansas Bermuda Triangle"?* The weather patterns and happenings are just bizarre in this little valley. Hercules (this mighty little tree) has been through so many hardships (really, ya think?) but as you can see, it just screams, "Look at me! I'm not finished yet! Please don't give up on me! I think I can, I think I can, I know I can!" I don't believe for one second that you could convince this little tree to give up. It is determined to make it through whatever comes its way.

It has endured brutal freezes, straight line winds that have uprooted many large trees, tornadic activity, hail, and drought. It has been split in half, snapped off in the middle, and stripped of it's bark from the freeze...but do you see the plush growth moving up this tree of determination and courage? My hubby has threatened to cut it down several times, but I can't bear the thought of killing something so determined to survive.

How humbling to compare the perseverance of this mighty little tree to the fortitude of most of us. How often have we felt torn apart, worn down, broken in two, defeated, knocked down, destroyed or too weak to care? Oh, that we could all be as dauntless as little Hercules! He may be bruised and beat up, broken and ragged, but he is obviously sturdy and ready for battle!

I asked myself why this tiny little tree stub continues to withstand the storms and the hardships. Bigger and stronger trees have fallen or wasted away, yet this one has been heroic and brave. Perhaps it has something to do with the "root system".

Only when we have a deep, strong, solid root foundation can we withstand the storms and hardships that inevitably come our way.

So, how is your "root system"?

"Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand."
Psalm 37:24

Dear Mother

Dear Mother,

Happy Mother's Day! Sunday was such an exciting day - Sarah's first Mother's Day! Ayla is due in 9 weeks! Plus, Sarah's Baby Shower was Saturday and she is just "over the moon!" How we wish you were here to be a part of this grand event! And the upcoming birth of Matt and Susan's little Sawyer. Sarah has 9 weeks left and Susan has 9 days left!

Saturday morning I was in a nostalgic mood and went upstairs to dig through my box of treasures...things I found and kept after you and Daddy passed away...things I find myself drawn to from time to time when I am especially missing you both. Your smell is in that box. You and Daddy are in that box. MY LIFE is in that box! I love going through it and remembering the story or the event behind the treasures I kept. Below you will find just a few of the things I hold near and dear to my heart, especially on this sweet weekend...Sarah's first baby shower and the day before Mother's Day. I just wanted to share them with you. I miss you and Daddy so much! Happy Mother's Day! I hope you enjoy this little trip down Memory Lane...

Your Baby PictureYour Wedding Picture

So many stories, so many memories, so many treasures, so many adventures

all tucked away in this plastic box. I need to buy a really special trunk to store all these treasures in. They are far too precious for a Dollar Store plastic tub!

My Box of Treasures

Wow...the emotions that came flooding in when I picked these up! I put your rain bonnet up to my face, breathed in your fragrance...and just burst into tears. It was like I was hugging you right then and there. Your 'scent' was so strong in that moment, it was as if I had you back for a brief second. It was the same when I picked up Daddy's yardwork hat. The only difference was, I laughed through my tears because of the way he always cut little diamond-shaped holes in the top of his hat so his "head could breathe". My goodness, I love that man! He was so funny! Oh the sweet, precious memories!

Just a Few of Your Many Sewing Boxes

Your Mother's Bible. I had no idea she and I shared

a deep love for the same scripture!Daddy kept his pennies on top of his dresser in this

shaving cream cup for as long as I can remember.Daddy's Cotton - he had this for years, but I

don't remember where he picked it.

Back in the day, I was a Modge Podge wizard! Being young, married and on a tight budget, I often made your gifts instead of buying them. These boxes were Christmas presents (I think) from at least 35 years ago. How sweet that you kept them on your dressers for all of these years.

Your Bible...just as you carried it to church for the last time - with your candy, kleen-ex and Dr. Pepper lip gloss still in it.

After Daddy was diagnosed with lung cancer, I made these for each of you...just as a reminder that God was ever present in your time of need. Little did we know that you would be diagnosed with cancer too, just 8 months after losing Daddy. I should have made myself one of these!

You were Super Woman! You worked a full-time job at the County Health Dept., came home and cooked dinner, attended all of the ballgames and various activities of mine, Harold's and Craig's, did the household chores, ran a taxi service for all of us, and still managed to sew almost all of my clothes. Often you would stay up until 1 or 2 a.m. to sew after we were all in bed. It wasn't until I was in my twenties that I finally understood and appreciated all you did. I made this for you one Mother's Day with a note of thanks for those tireless hours of sewing your heart out for me...this is you at your sewing machine just happily working away! Thank you for treasuring this little gift of appreciation and hanging it above your sewing machine for all those years. A Special Place for Your Sewing Plaque and Your Baby DollWhen you died, I purchased two of these and placed the pictures in them. You wore one to "take with you" that day and I wore the other one that day

...forever connected.

You saved one of my baby blankets and a little quilt Mamaw made for me! Maybe Ayla can use them!

...and last but not least

My Favorite Picture of You and Daddy

I will forever miss and love you both! I hope your Mother's Day in Heaven was special!

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed..." Proverbs 31:25-28