Nine years ago today, the Lord took my mom to be with Him in heaven. I wanted to express my thanks to the Lord for the intentional heritage she left me, my brothers, my children and future grandchildren and in an extended way to my church family.

There are many things that Mom instilled intentionally in my life: love with perseverance, love with loyalty, love when it’s hard, love without partiality, love your family, love the Lord, love the Bible, love excellence, love to learn, love to listen, love to think, love words, as well as a few things to hate.

But what is most compelling to my memory today is the way in which Mom taught with her words and life to love life and not fear death. Mom never flinched from talking about death. That was at least one of her greatest gifts to me. In a world that is consumed with itself and right now, talking about death as a reality – and a joyful reality for those who knew the Lord was (and still is) a prod in my heart to live for what outlives this life. I pray that my children and grandchildren and church family will benefit from this legacy of loving life and not fearing death.

Famous Mom lines I remember today: “One of you stop and find my glasses.”
“You couldn’t find your … if it weren’t attached.”
“You better not stop up my sink.”
(As Mom sits down at the table after preparing the meal) – “All I want is a glass of tea.”
“Better enjoy it – it may be the last meal of the day.”
“Little do good – a whole lot do better.”
“Prettiest one out there.”
“You boys just sit there and let your Dad get the trash.”
“Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you have to.”
“Pretty good isn’t good enough for a Blankenship.”
“Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Creeps in this petty pace from day to day.”
“We always go to church.”
“Your Dad never thinks you boys do anything wrong, but I know better because I birthed you.”
“Always kiss your parents good night.”
“Seven!”
“Where’s Uncle Curt’s fudge?”
“Play as well as you look and you’ll be just fine.”
“You didn’t ask but I am going to give you my opinion anyway.”
“Be a Bulldog.”
“Good night. I love you.”

Thank you Lord for such sweet memories!