In the process of gathering the recipes and contacting family members how can help but think of the ladies who have gone before me, loved me and given me gifts to pass on to my children. I have a long way to go to even attempt to fill their shoes but I am so glad that I lived under their influence. God sure knew what He was doing.
My aunt sent me one of my Grandmother's recipes. To have her great grandmother's recipe in her cookbook will hopefully be an encouragement to her.
Meghan is the only one of my children that my Grandma was able to meet before she passed away. What a remarkable lady she was. Everyone who met her wanted to go home with her. She loved without condition. She was sweet and kind yet funny in her own way. When my Grandfather got sick and they lived with my parents, I saw her reaction when he would get angry and belligerent and she had to take care of him. She never complained ... even when I thought she had ever right to do so. She loved Jesus and she prayed for everyone of her children and grandchildren. It is such an honor to be named after her.
My dad is also sending a recipe for the cookbook ... one from him and one from my mother. How many times have I walked down to the park to "talk" to my mom. I remember all the times I poured my heart out to her (and to God). Now when I go to the park with a friend it's kind of funny to say, "Mom, this is the one I was talking about" ... kind of like they got to meet her. I shared earlier about her journey with cancer. However, one gift she gave me was ... her smile.
She was always known for her beautiful smile. At the funeral, I had so many people approach me and say, "I see her ... there's Mary ..." as they looked into my eyes or commented on my smile. To hear people say they see her in me was the best gift ... because really, she lived Jesus and if they see her in me ... they see Jesus in me!
Soon after I returned home after the funeral our church had opportunities to learn of different ministries within the church. As soon as I heard about being a greeter I knew that was a way to serve and also honor my mom ... with our smiles. My "duties" have now extended to the cafe and it is such a blessing to serve every week. It brings me great joy!
I think of these ladies and I see their grace ... their love ... and their strength. As I look at my daughter I see those same qualities. When my mom was diagnosed Meg had this intense need to do something. She had been through some rough roads with her healing and she reached out to the one thing she could count on to deal with her feelings ... dance. She carefully chose the songs, choreographed a dance and practiced ... practiced ... perfected it. She then recorded it to send to her grandma. As I watched her dance, I saw her transform before my very eyes ... from weak and tortured to a strong woman ... from victim to victor. It was amazing!
I am so proud to be in a family of such beautiful, strong women. God has also surrounded me with other loving examples of women of strength and courage.
I Wanna Leave a Legacy
No One Else ~ Soraya (Song Meg danced to)
Until next time ... what kind of legacy are you leaving?
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