So I've been home for 24 hours. Two loads of laundry (take heart young moms, you won't always have a load a day, I have two a week!), mop water with peppermint essence on the entire main floor, dog licks off the front and back glass, a lick and promise of dusting the furniture, a few errands, and a a three hour lunch/cup of coffee with our daughter and grandbaby who live here. What a great re-entry day.

Then, to top it off, we went to a surprise 60th birthday party tonight. It seemed a bit crazy to commit to going, so soon after getting off the plane. But this is one of my Sew and Sows - a quilting buddy, so I couldn't miss it. Her husband and eight children threw a surprise bash, with every friend she has invited. Husbands came along for good measure, to a wonderful catered meal.

At the end of dinner, each of her children got up and shared a special memory of their mom. Every single one of them told a story of one-on-one time with their mom, time spent on orthodontist trips, or going for physical therapy, road trips to sports practice, etc. etc. etc. Nothing big, just the regular stuff a mom does, but it spoke volumes to her children. We were so blessed to sit and listen, but just as much to watch her face as each of her children shared their hearts. The boys cried more than the girls - what a testimony to her motherhood!

Her children gave her a virtual photoframe, already loaded with photos of all of them, from childhood to weddings, to grandchildren they've blessed her with. Her husband granted one of her life wishes, to go to the Masters and of course she's taking along one of her kids.

So my first day back, caring for our home, then time one-on-one with our daughter and a grandbaby, then dinner with a whole room of friends, listening to stories of a life invested in other people, and it's all coming back at her. I wondered if anyone else in the room thought of this verse:

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she will be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs 31:25-31)

Being a part of tonight was like watching those verses lived out. Happy Birthday Beth, what an example you set for all you know and love you.

Labels: Girl Talk