Just sitting here at work, when I read this obituary and I thought of all those who have lived with and loved this person I call "Mother". I recall that eight years ago, all of our family celebrated her 90th birthday. I was asked to give the invocation. I did _ and I still carry that invocation in my wallet. Every once in awhile, I still pull it out and think of Mother and I realize that she was every bit of what I wrote, and then some.
I cannot help but letting this go out to her and to all those in our family who loved her unconditionally.
"We have come here today to celebrate and give honor to someone who is extremely deserving of it _ someone who has, throughout her life, served those around her, and through it all, has always exercised the very most basic rule of Christianity _ "Love the Lord, thy God, above all else, and thy neighbor as thyself."
Life is a series of moments, and this moment will always live on from here on out. Let us always remember this moment in time, when all of us took the time to gather together to give thanks for all that has been bestowed upon us by our loving Father and Savior.
In this age of turmoil, when the cost of freedom is monumental, when it is a struggle to see the good in all of those around us, it is refreshing to have had a mother and grandmother who has never quit trying to be good _ who has always lived her life serving her husband, her children and her grandchildren.
Dear Father, in the name of Jesus, our Savior, who had such love in his heart for all of us, that he not only befriended common peasant fishermen, broke bread with them and called them "Brother", but also laid down his life so that all men might have a taste of that same love in their hearts. In breaking bread together here today, we beg of you to instill that same love in our hearts, so that we may see your reflection in everyone.
We ask this in Jesus' name."
This is for you, Mother. With all my love, your son.
