Pink Fluff, Brussels Sprouts, Mickey Mouse and Frogs!

Title caught your eye?  I’m sure it did. 

There is good reason for it.  You see, this is about my Mother-in-love, the memories that I have and want to share with all of you who take the time to read this. I have remained pretty quiet for awhile on this subject but feel it is time to write it out.

Selfie Fun

About two years ago Chris and I moved back to Edmond, OK to help his parents out a little. We moved into their house and they purchased a home across the street. This is the second time in our marriage that we have lived across the street from them.  (side story, funny story is that Chris had once told his dad that he would NEVER live in the same town as them….) Anyway…obviously that didn't stick, but I’m glad it didn't!  Ann’s health was not good as she had been diagnosed with this disease that we had never heard of before.  PSP—(Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy)…I like to say it is Parkinson’s on steroids.  It is an ugly, unfair, horribly debilitating disease. It robs you of life…that’s simply put. 

So for the last two years plus, we have all watched mom not BE mom anymore. In the last year especially, I have been there to see it personally up close. I quit my job working at the school here in Edmond, so I could be more available to help dad with mom.  I do NOT regret one second of that time. Even though I have been a member of this family of Grays for 25 years, (Chris and I will celebrate our 25^th Anniversary on February 17^th and it was Tom and Ann’s wedding anniversary as well as Tom’s Birthday.)  The last two years of this life have been such a reward…such a huge blessing to me. I have been privy to the inside life of my in-loves.  (Yes, I call them in-loves because I have never liked the term in-laws.) I have heard stories and have gotten so much closer to these two people who sacrificed much for the love of their family…their children.  I have seen into the years that both Tom and Ann grew up.  I am so much richer knowing all this…truly!

As mom’s illness took more and more away from her, the closer I stepped in to help dad. Now THERE is a man that needs to be rewarded for his time and his patience taking care of his beloved.   Daily tending to her needs, and at times ignoring his own, I watched his love in action. It was like attending a class on how to love your spouse. There are not many marriages out there where this kind of sacrificial love still exists. Lord, let my marriage be a model of that love. Let this be seen to our children. That is truly my prayer.

So back to the title…those memories.  Pink Fluff was always the dish that was present at the table of all our family gatherings, celebrations and more. Brussels  Sprouts was the dish that she was so excited to have her family try many years ago that turned into nobody ever eating again! (Truly a funny story) Mickey Mouse was the character that she so enjoyed and had many mementos of that around her house for years as well as the Frogs!  Her best friend, Nomes (Naomi), would always bring her a new one to have for her collection.  These are just the tip of things. My blog would be so long if I included all the things that were brought to my mind. But the memories that I will hold the dearest are the times spent in this last 6 months. As I was needed more across the street, I grew closer to mom and who she really was. God allowed me to see into her heart. The heart she had for her husband, her kids and oh my goodness…the Grand kids and Great-Grand kids. They were her life.  What an honor it has been for me to have been witness to such love. Our talks, even though towards the end she wouldn't remember them, were some that I hold so close to my own heart. I can only aspire to be the loving mother and dutiful, respectful wife that she was. I pray that some of that rubbed off on me!  She was the epitome of The Proverbs 31 woman.  How richly blessed my life has been to be able to be there…to love her…to help take care of her right till the end. To sing to her, the hymns and songs that she wanted me to. To laugh over situations that took place while I cared for her. (TMI…can’t share those) To see the love between her and Tom and know beyond a shadow of doubt, that I want THAT!  To know that NOTHING is too big in my marriage that cannot be overcome or talked about. That the love of Jesus permeated through her soul and to the outside world. If you knew Ann…you will agree. If you didn't…I’m so sorry that you couldn't have gotten to know one of the greatest people out there.

Don’t let life get in the way of loving your family. Don’t let things interrupt the time that you have been given to make a difference. Love deeply…oh so deeply the ones that you hold so close. And never, EVER take any of it for granted!

Thank you Ann,  “Annie” MOM…  I love you long time and will miss you so much.