I am delighted to be hosting Spiritual Journey Thursday this month. This month our topic is family. Please link up below if you would like to join us.
When I chose this topic, it was the Sunday our priest gave a homily about the importance of family. It was really much more than that, but I can't remember, and I did not write it down. So, as I was thinking about what I was going to write about, my thoughts turned to my mother.
My mom passed away in April after years of suffering from dementia. As many dementia patients do, my mom repeated the same stories over and over. Sometimes within minutes of each other.
One of her favorites was about her family. She would tell how she had “two daughters and a granddaughter who were teachers: one high school, one junior high and one grade school.” She was so proud of that.
Today, we added another granddaughter to the story. Although we told Mom Addie was going to be a teacher too, that part of the story just never stuck. Mom didn't live to see this moment today as we snapped this picture at our opening day, but I know she was smiling down from heaven.
Over the years, I have wondered why some stories stick and others don't. I am not a brain expert, but maybe it's those stories about family that we hold closest to our hearts that we remember. Maybe God places them there to help those left behind feel our loved one's presence after they are gone. Maybe those stories are the ones that connect our hearts.
I know Mom would be so proud today, and I am grateful I have this story to share.
If you would like to join us and share your family story, please link up below. And don't forget to come throughout the month to find later posts!
Oh, my goodness, Leigh Anne! You are all in the same district? How wonderful is that? I hope you have a great day tomorrow on your first day. Thank you for hosting and sharing this precious memory of your mom remembering and being so proud of all you sweet teachers in her family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post about a mother's/grandmother's pride! Thanks for sharing the picture too. Two of my siblings became teachers and two nieces and one nephew have followed that path also. I need to write about my mother's teaching during WWII at a one room schoolhouse. I love your reference to the stories that connect our hearts. It's why we write!
ReplyDeleteHappy first day, my friend!
Look at that photo! What a beautiful gathering of teachers and sisters and cousins. As I cleaned out my classroom, I was wishing I had someone close to me to leave things to. I took way too many books home. It must be so much fun to share your passion with your daughter, sister, and niece. I will try to link up later, but, ironically, I am babysitting my grandchildren which makes it hard to find time to write. Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne, thank you for hosting this month's SJT. A family of teachers - how wonderful. The smiles in the picture show the joy and love you all have for your chosen profession. Hope you all have a wonderful year. Bob
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