Saturday, May 09, 2009

A Mother's Day Tribute

This heart, my own dear mother, bends, with love's true instinct, back to thee!

Thomas Moore

She Walks in Beauty

by Lord Byron

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!



God forbid I let this day pass without tribute to my dear mother, whose grace gave me hope, whose hands healed my hurts, whose body knew no wear, whose heart heard my hopes, whose knees knelt in prayer, whose eyes eyed my tears; whose faith stood strong, in my father's death, in her pain, in lonely nights; whose life she spent striving each day to make our lives better, taking my brother, sister, and me to church, each Sunday; who was faithful to her job at AT&T, forty hours each week, rising early to prepare breakfast, arriving home to cook supper; who never once complained about taking me to the doctor, dentist, orthodontist, shopping, or piano lessons; who never thought of marrying again for the love her children; whose empty nest became a garden of roses; who now knows frail health; whose lips now bring me joy, each day, from miles away, with words . . . Are you ok?. . . How's Jeff?. . . Are you tired? . . . What about Steven? How's he? . . . Have you heard from Chris? . . . Are all the babies ok? . . . What did the doctor say? . . . How's the church? . . . I pray for you every day. . . . I pray for all of you. . . . I love you. . . . I'll talk to you tomorrow.


"She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed . . . Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates" (Proverbs 31:27, 28, 31).






17 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute to your mother.

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  2. Dearest Andrea,
    First of all, what a lovely and fitting poem for your mother. And the picture of her with your dad, she's lovely and how regal her pose! We have both been blessed with mothers who have big and selfless hearts!

    Secondly, I am just so speechless to read what you wrote in passing on the Renee award to me. I had to read your words several times before they actually sank in. It is such an honor, quite hard to believe, really...

    Andrea, I humbly receive, not so much your compliments, as your heart. The glory belongs to no one except God alone, but I receive your love and I accept your token of kindness. "Thank you" is not enough, but what more can I say?

    May God's kingdom expand as we use the gifts He gave us for His glory and honor alone.

    Love,
    Lidj

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  3. Your tribute to your Mom brought tears to my eyes. Have a wonderful Mother's Day, Andrea! Congratulations on your award. So deserving!

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  4. Lovely tribute to your mother! And congratulations on the award! Happy Mother's Day!

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  5. Fabulous! I loved seeing the vintage photo of your parents. Your word portrait and the tribute you've penned is so touching.

    Bless you, dear sister. And a precious Mother's Day to you too!

    Kathleen

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  6. What lovely words for your mother, Andrea. They brought tears to my eyes as I read them and thought of my own precious mother, in poor health. Congratulations on your award! Thanks for sharing the photograph...it must be so special to you! Happy Mother's Day!

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  7. Hi, Andrea,
    I wrote the story about the award you passed on to me in today's postdated May 11, as well as my response to it.

    In my excitement yesterday, I totally forgot to congratulate you for the award you got. You are truly deserving of it, and certainly, God is honored and praised through your blog.

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  8. What a lovely tribute to your momma!! :)
    As always it is SO refreshing to visit
    your blog, Andrea!!! Happy Mother's Day to you!!!!!

    Love,
    Jen

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  9. What a lovely tribute to your beautiful and godly mother. It refreshes my heart to hear of your continued bond of love. Sweet, sweet, sweet!
    And congratulations on your award! I rejoice with you!

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  10. What a remarkable tribute! I must tell you how your site has ministered to my spirit. It is such an amazing place to stop and read..thank you for reminding me to be sensitive to His plans for my life. Have a blessed day!

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  11. What a beautiful tribute to your mother! I'm glad you stopped by my blog so I could find my way to yours!

    Congratulations on your award, too.

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  12. Dearest Andrea,
    Hope that your Mother's Day was wonderful.
    A Happy Belated Mother's Day Wishes to you.
    Was on the road.
    Today I read your sweet post about your Mom.
    What a beautiful example you have been blessed with.
    With your Father's death, I am saddened and yet with what you shared, you're mother blessed her young family with much.

    God richly bless you always,
    ~Deanna~

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  13. Dearest Andrea,

    What a beautiful tribute to your mother. How much your mother worked and instilled in you a godly character.

    May the Lord continue to bless her!

    Lady m

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  14. What a wonderful tribute to your dear mother!

    I can just feel her love for you and your family and your love for her, pour out between the lines :o)

    Blessings!

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  15. As always, your heartfelt words just touched me deeply. The tribute to your mother was beautiful and I hope she was able to either read it or have it read to her. I am sure she is so proud of the God given talents you use to bless others and your heart of love.

    Congratulations on your well deserved award! I hope you enjoyed a great Mother's Day with your family...

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  16. Andrea,

    I hope that your Mother's Day was wonderful. Lord Byron is one of my favorite poets so I truly enjoyed the poem at the beginning of the post:) Your mother sounds like an amazing woman-thanks for sharing your memories of her guidance throughout your life.

    Congratulations on your award! I cannot think of a more deserving person as your writing inspires me each time I visit. Your ability to glorify God through your prose is a blessing and a comfort to all who read it.

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  17. Hello Andrea,

    I'm not sure how, but I missed this post and a few others...please forgive me! And thank you for the sweet words. You say that you are not worthy, but that is simply "Untrue". I think we tend to view ourselves through our own eyes instead of His, but His view of us is the one that matters and you are most worthy in His eyes and mine and many others in bloglandia. Everytime I read one of your posts all I see is Him reflected through your life, struggles, and beautiful words. So thank you for blessing everyone who visits here.

    God bless,

    Cori

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Thank you for visiting. I cherish your thoughts. You are special to me, but most of all, you are special to God, who loves you with everlasting love. May your life be swept into His joy and peace.

In the Wonderful Love of Christ our Savior,

Andrea