Mother's Blest Day 2008

Mother's Day 2008 was yet another in a string of sunny, clear, cool days, unlike what we have come to expect this time of year in Mississippi. I found out why.

My darling Stephenie and her husband Ed have been praying that we would be spared more bad weather. Well, thank you, dears! Each time the weatherman predicts thunderstorms and hail and all, or even if there is a rumble in the distance, or the weather alarm goes off, the day instead dawns bright and cherry and stays that way. It has been lovely. The prayers of a righteous couple avail much.

Stephie, the beautiful handmade calligraphy of Psalm 91:4 brings me to tears. I shall frame it. And never forget God's feathers spreading over us in the storms. You also sent a wonderful Mother's Day note detailing the events of our three grandkids' adventures at the Cincinnati zoo etc, so Grammy would not feel left out. And.... how many mother-in-laws do I know who receive a tender note from their son-in-law? I am so amazingly blessed.

Heather Anne called with sweet 9 month old Roly chirping and squealing in the background for Grammy's pleasure. The three of us chatted a long time. Emily called and sent an album chock full of pictures of our babies looking so sweet and happy visiting the Cincinnati Zoo with their New York cousin Roly. More scenes with Chad and the kids fishing from the creek behind their house are very inviting. We will be there soon.

I missed Janie's call, but what did arrive from her were two letters for James and Peter including coupons for Starbuck's! How many years ago was it, Janie, that you accompanied Dad and me with 2 year old Robbie to Rochester to check out the job and find a house? Your painful apprehension about moving from Florida as a 10th grader was not wasted by our Father in heaven. You have comforted and encouraged your little brothers about moving away from semi rural Mississippi. They were beginning to truly think of themselves as Mississippi boys, complete with 'yes ma'am,' 'y'all,' 'whenever,' and (God forbid) 'ain't.' Thank you, dear, for the lifeline to family in the North.

With a bigger than the usual twinkle in her eye, Maggie and the boys ordered me not to prepare dinner after church. When we climbed into the car, James took the wheel, and drove us a mysterious route, eventually arriving at Bon Ami Restaurant and a lovely meal. The four of us smiled nervously at each other across a table with real pink lilies, and a real cloth tablecloth. It was then I realized that for months I had not taken the boys out to eat. What a treat for all of us.

In the evening a call came from our dear Robbie who asked if I had read my emails. No, not yet, but how was he? Our chat consisted mostly of him reassuring me that all was well and that Rochester was a good place to be, that his good friend, Joel, was out of hospital (thank God) and that we had missed another of those famous bonfires and baseball games at the Nightingale's place.

All of this warms our hearts and lures us northward. Thanks Rob. And thank you precious, darling boy for the REAL letter you wrote me for Mother's Day plus the e-card. The kids will tell you Mom ran crying to her room. I hope I can live up to such kind words.

Topping off the cake was an email from Bob himself, complete with a sketch he had made of our Rochester house (excellent artwork, Dear!) with words rising up from the house, "Where's Mom?" and another bubble answering, "She'll be here soon."

We are coming, y'all. Two days after the For Sale sign went up, the roofers were done their repairs and a buyer drove up and made us an offer. We close on May 15. Strangely, our mortgage matures on the 16th! We will rent from the new owner until the movers arrive June 11, one month from today. Our bittersweet chapter of the Halpert Mississippi Adventure is coming to its close.

Then our relentlessly loving and faithful God will again take up His determined quill to begin the next chapter. It is really His book after all, not ours. We are merely the willing characters in it.

God be praised.