My siblings and spouses have been meeting most every week via zoom. We share what has gone on in our lives, and then conclude with a story. Our mother wrote her life story a long time ago. It was in a loose leaf notebook, carefully typed. The oldest of our clan, Joyce, is the english expert of the family. She taught and administrated for years to college students and faculty. Language is her expertise. Because of her excellent editing skills, we tasked Joyce to edit our mother’s story and then we plan to publish the book in a user friendly package.

Yesterday, Joyce read to us of my mother’s family of six when they moved to a little town in Montana where our grandfather worked at Fort Peck Dam, a CCP project during the Great Depression. Housing was scarce and the family made do with very little. Mom told how she shared a room with her two sisters and how the three sisters shared a wide bed. Her dresser was a corrugated box where she kept all of her earthly goods. As she said, “My clothing, my trinkets, my diary, my jewelry were stored in this three by three.” A corrugated box held all of her possessions! The parents had their own half of the room, divided by a curtain. My uncle, the only boy, slept on the couch in the kitchen/living/dining room. They seemed to be a “normal” family. Not any more poor than the other workers around them. Mom didn’t seem to feel deprived at all. In yesterday’s reading, my mother expressed how much she loved her mother, and respected her strong faith in Jesus. She had a deep admiration for her.

What a legacy!

Grandma Sara Richert was only forty-two when she died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. When that happened, she left a huge chasm of loss. My mother told me often of that sad day when death took her dear mother. I never met that grandmother but I look forward to our first meeting when I’m called to heaven.

I wonder what my family will say about me when I’m gone? It is something to ponder. How about you? Do you wonder what your family will say about you?

The Lord will guide you always;
    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
    and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
    like a spring whose waters never fail (Isaiah 58:11 NIV).

Lord Jesus, as I start this day, give me Your grace. Guide me always. Strengthen my frame. Help me to be a light to those I meet. Help me to inspire others to follow You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.