My Mom

I don't know where to start on this one except to say that I am in awe. I mean, I'm not at all surprised, just in awe. Last Wednesday night, we got notice that the daddy of one of my best friends was taking a turn for the worse in his battle with cancer. My friend's out of state wedding was planned for today. She asked my mom to look into a chapel so they could get married a week early and in Conway so her dad could be there. Well, my mom took that idea and ran with it to say the least. By mid-day Thursday, she had a chapel and reception site booked, flowers ordered, tables and chairs rented, and a whole army of people calling her to help. She learned how to delegate better than ever before, so the town of Conway went to work in order to make sure Liz had her special day as close to the way she wanted as possible. I could make a list of all the things that were done in two days, and I could probably tell you who did what, but the fact of the matter is...Liz and Aaron were married Saturday night in a beautiful, touching ceremony. Liz was escorted by her daddy and brother down the aisle. The couple danced, ate, and celebrated with close friends and family next door in the reception hall. They rode off in a limo to begin their married life. A beautiful day.

Mom was on the phone constantly for those two days, running from here to there getting all the details in place. We learned how to steam a gorgeous and might I add rather intricate wedding dress. I witnessed what it's like to be a worker bee on someone's BIG DAY. I can't put into words all that my mom did. I just watched in awe as I mentioned earlier. The kitchen counter at home became post-it note central. She orchestrated something beautiful, and many people have said it was a miracle. She started her day at the Farmer's Market at 7 a.m., went to Hendrix to get started there by 8:00, worked until 2:00, showered and got ready for the wedding, and then with her apron over her dress was back at Hendrix a little after 3:00. The wedding took place at 6:00, and we sent off the happy couple around 8:45. After tearing everything down and cleaning everything up, we got home and had one more thing to do. It was 10:00, but not too late to celebrate one more important thing...

Did I mention it was her birthday? And a pretty significant one, too. I pray I am half the woman she is in 35 years.

And she hasn't stopped since...she's made more food for the family, delivered cookies to Vacation Bible School, and on tap for this weekend is making rigatoni for another church family and an appetizer for a friend's birthday party.

Thanks, mom, for showing me what it's like to have a servant's heart. You have taught me way more than you know, and now that I'm about to be a mom, I'm just so thankful you are here to guide me. Oh, and sorry if I just made you cry. I couldn't help it. :)