Happy Birthday, Meegoo!!

Yesterday was my mother's birthday. I typed out a post in her honor, and Blogger ate it. (Blogger's been a little wonky lately.) So I'm trying again, albeit a day late and a dollar short.

My mom, who is also known as "Aint Fay" to her very Southern nieces and nephews, "Meegoo" to her grandchildren and one of her sons-in-love, "Mom" to two daughters - although they occasionally resort to "MOTHER!!" when necessary, and "Honey" to her loving husband, is likely the sweetest woman God ever created. If I wrote for days, I couldn't write about all the ways she sacrificed for us when we were growing up or the countless ways she showed love to us and those around her. She earned her nicknames of "that-woman-who-likes-to-feed-us" and "Flaky" and even "Flo," but those are stories for another day. More than anything, she is an example of godliness to all who know her.

Proverbs 31 describes her like this (with my commentary added in blue):

An excellent wife, who can find? (I've heard Dad say all my life what a great wife she is.) For her worth is far above jewels. (She's irreplaceable.) The heart of her husband trusts in her, (she's always been trustworthy) and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. (That's been evident for their 55+ years of marriage.) She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. (She is creative and built a beautiful home.) She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. (She found resources no one else would have considered.) She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens. (She's an excellent cook and still loves making a favorite meal for each family member's birthday.) She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. (She knew the value of her home and worked hard to ensure its growth.) She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. (She worked hard to make our house a home and strong, safe haven for the storms of life.) She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night. (She's burned the midnight oil on many occasions to help her children reach their goals, including the times we didn't make it easy for her [i.e., my third grade year and all of my teens].) She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle. (She never shied away from hard work.) She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy. (She often took meals in to the sick - still does - and helped whenever she could.) She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (Our needs were always met before her own.) She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. (She made all of our clothes when we were growing up and most of her own. She even made the PURPLE bridesmaids' dresses for my wedding.) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. (She is the "woman-behind-the-man" and is always so proud of her husband.) She makes linen garments and sells {them,} and supplies belts to the tradesmen. (She is an excellent seamstress.) Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. (She is a beautifully poised woman whose strength of character has been the backbone of her family.) She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (Her godly counsel is highly sought after by her family and friends.) She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. (She has earned her retirement.) Her children rise up and bless her. (Yes, they do.) Her husband {also,} and he praises her, {saying:} "Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all." (He is proud of her and sings her praises openly.) Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, {But} a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. (A more genuine, loving, God-fearing woman you will not find.)

It is an honor to be her daughter.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.