Legacies.....

I recently finished reading a book about my great grandmother on my father's side Becoming Bestamor. It's an enlightening book about her journey from Denmark to America and the seemingly impossible task of raising 21 children, 7 of her aunts and 14 of her own. My grandmother Pearl was number 15. She really was an amazing woman. She overcame many hardships both in this country and in the old country. I learned many things through that book about her spirit and also the spirit of my grandmother. Both for whom I am grateful. Somehow I feel a part of my soul reaches back and touches theirs.....

I am also grateful for another woman in my life... my mother. She turned 88 this past weekend. I have come to realize over the years how much she means to me and how much she's taught me. Like all mothers she can drive me crazy and I can drive her crazy but in the end we love each other very much and we depend on each other in many ways. She's a classy lady who loves Jesus with all her heart. She prays daily for her children and grandchildren by name.

Each year since her 80th birthday my sisters and I have planned some sort of a trip to celebrate my mother's birthday. It started with a trip to the Black Hills and most recently has been short weekend shopping trips with everyone staying at my house. Lots of laughing, lots of stories, lots of eating, lots of memories..... most of all, lots of love.