A little over a week ago in church my younger brother Steve presented a tribute to our mom on Mother's Day. A phrase he used which has stuck in my brain, and was simply perfect because it was so true was, "mom was always there." Perhaps some of it can be attributed to the stock from which she comes, (being a descendant of Mayflower Pilgrim Pricilla Mullins,) but she genuinely is "a virtuous woman," and my dad most assuredly "obtained favor from the LORD," in finding her! Mom had three boys by the time she reached her twenty-fourth year and you can imagine she had her hands full, especially raising them on a farm lending itself to all kinds of mischief! The affection and time poured from her and was lavished on her three little charges, and a little later, on the sister who would join us. But Nancy Hoyle is the most loving, nurturing, disciplining, (memories of the flyswatter or yardstick off the top of the fridge, and running for the barn when reached for,) teaching, reading, (English Fairy Tales come to mind, particulary "Teeny-Tiny" & "The Old Woman and Her Pig,") caring, sacrificing, fun loving, holiday miracle working, and most importantly, and certainly the biggest factor, Jesus loving & Jesus exemplifying mom ever! Happy Birthday to my mom on completing her 78th trip around the Sun. May every little boy (and girl) have a mom like mine! The world would be a much better place.
Mom's Birthday, 2014