Softly in My Heart

Mom, you’re smart.

At age ninety

You play Scrabble on an i-Pad

With multiple players.

Board Scrabble with Auntie

Word Find and jigsaw puzzles

Keep your brain flourishing.

Mom, you are love to me.

Growing up,

You were my best friend

As we worked together

And shared hugs

In the kitchen;

We cooked, baked,

And listened to Unshackled

Every Saturday

On radio station WCKY 

Out of Cincinnati, Ohio.

I remember the day

I heard the story

Of a man

On skid row

And the Holy Spirit

Showed me

I was no better

In God’s eyes

Than he.

That revelation

Has shaped much

Of who I am today.

A skilled homemaker,

You made our home

A warm haven of peace,

With a focus on Jesus.

I remember the special times

Of Bible reading and prayer

In the living room after supper.

You encouraged my interest in music

With a pump organ

And Auntie’s accordion

Even though money was tight.

When Dave started dating me

You fixed delicious snacks for us

Sunday nights after church.

Always friendly and understanding,

You made my brothers

Scoot to bed

So we could be alone in the living room.

You taught me to value

Sexual purity

And I passed it on

To my children.

There’s just no one like a mother

To love, teach, encourage,

Or wipe away a tear

As I struggled

To learn to read.

There’s just no one like a mother

Who reads Bible stories

To the children

At her knee.

I admire you so much, Mom.

You are a shining example

Of a godly woman

Whose price is far above rubies.

Always faithful 

To husband 

And family,

You’ve given me a legacy

Of what’s important

In life.

I hold you softly in my heart.

Copyright © 2015 Elaine Beachy