Happy Happy Happy

H E Y !

Just stopping by to say I had a pretty spectacular Mother's Day and I hope you did too.

If the sentiment applies, that is.

I didn't have the joy of being with my own mother on the day, but I'll see her soon. I sent her a present.

Or rather, TG mailed my present to her last Wednesday -- because I was out of town all week -- and my mother has yet to receive it.

We live in the same state.

Leave it to the USPS to mess up the delivery of a Mother's Day present less than a two-hour drive away.

At any rate two of my own girls, Erica and Audrey, arrived on Saturday to spend Mother's Day with me.

I thought that was it for the party crowd until ten o'clock that night when the door opened and I heard the clanking of dog tags.

That was Rambo, who had accompanied Andrew over the mountains from Knoxville, to surprise me.

Talk about happy. Three out of four. Not bad at all. And I'll see Stephanie for Memorial Day, two weeks hence.

So anyway what with TG and me, three of the kids, and two dogs, it was lively around here.

On Sunday Andrew treated all of us to Mother's Day brunch at my favorite restaurant here in Columbia: Harper's in Five Points.

We all had chicken and waffles except for TG, who enjoyed a hamburger.

Then we came home to rest up for Sunday night and lo and behold, my kids came forth with all kinds of gifts.

I received a beautiful piece of luggage, which I needed and had been wanting.

Inside the suitcase was a completely awe-inspiring pink-and-camo Duck Commander hat, which I shamelessly model for you above.

Yes: Believe it or not, I along with millions of others have become a fan of Duck Dynasty.

I also got two gift cards to my preferred retail haunt, TJ Maxx; a book; a giant fragrant bar of bath soap; a new coffee mug; coffee; and strawberry preserves that came all the way from FRANCE.

Mercy.

Take that, Smuckers.

But perhaps my best gift of all (besides the nearness of three-fourths of my children) was that for the Sunday evening service at our church, my son had been asked to sing a solo.

And special for Mother's Day he sang his mother's favorite hymn: Zion's Hill.

It made me cry for many reasons, not the least of which is that unless God intervenes with miraculous healing -- which I am aware He can do, if He so chooses -- we will not have my beloved Aunt Linda with us for much longer.

Linda is my mother's younger -- and only -- sister. You may recall they lost a brother last fall, the first of the four children to pass away.

Earlier this year my aunt got a diagnosis as dire as anyone ever dreads to hear. The situation was so far advanced, Aunt Linda decided against traditional treatment.

She is on palliative care and doing pretty well right now -- and looking beautiful, I am sure you will agree -- but she needs your prayers.

Last week when I was in the Atlanta area visiting Erica, we took an evening and went to visit with Aunt Linda.

We also had the opportunity to see my cousin Lori, who had flown in from Ohio to spend some time with her mother.

Lori has been deaf for her entire life. She is the sweetest, most loving person you'd ever want to meet.

I talked to Aunt Linda again today and she had a wonderful Mother's Day, including a special photo session with all four of her children.

Their father, my Uncle Don, passed away in 2001. So there are four more -- and their children, and grandchildren -- who need your prayers.

I made a book for my Aunt Linda last week, of pictures I've taken put together with hymns and verses and poetry.

This was before I knew my son was coming home for Mother's Day and that he would be singing Zion's Hill in church.

Naturally, it being my favorite hymn, I included the lyrics to Zion's Hill in my aunt's book. 

I'm going to share it with you here, along with my favorite verse in the Bible:

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

~Proverbs 4:18~

Also included in her book, along with a funny picture of Rambo, was one of my most treasured Yogi Berra quotes:

It ain't over till it's over.

And it ain't.

And for my aunt, a committed Christian, it will never be over. 

So enjoy your life, enjoy your mother if you still have her, enjoy your children, and enjoy everything you possibly can.

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Zion's Hill

There waits for me a glad tomorrow

Where gates of pearl swing open wide

And when I've passed this vale of sorrow

I'll dwell upon the other side.

Someday, beyond the reach of mortal ken

Someday, God only knows just where and when

The wheels of mortal life shall all stand still

And I shall go to dwell on Zion's Hill.

Someday I'll hear the angels singing

Beyond the shadows of the tomb

And all the bells of heaven ringing

While saints are singing "Home, sweet home."

Someday my labors will be ended,

And all my wand'rings will be o'er

And all earth's broken ties be mended

And I shall sigh and weep no more.

Someday the dark clouds will be rifted

And all the night of gloom be past

And all life's burdens will be lifted

The day of rest shall dawn at last.

Someday, beyond the reach of mortal ken

Someday, God only knows just where and when

The wheels of mortal life shall all stand still,

And I shall go to dwell on Zion's Hill.

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Happy Monday ~ Happy Week

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Comments

[irene]

My children too, treated me royally. I, as you know, lost my mom this past Dec. and I visited with her and said a prayer at her grave site. I know she's in a better place, and I know she knows I know she's there. The greatest gift my mom gave me was my faith, she taught me to believe. What more can one give one's children. You must have been very proud of Andrew, I'm crying just thinking about it. I'm so very glad you had a great day. I shall most certainly pray for your aunt.

[Donna M.]

Oh my, you look absolutely darling in that hat. Let me load your ammunition for you, sweetie. Hahaha!!!! (That ought to get the liberals fired up!) Sounds like you had a perfectly lovely Mother's Day. I got the chance to briefly chat with mine before she was whisked off to dinner by one of my brothers. Let those young'uns pamper you!

God bless your Aunt Linda. Gosh, she looks like the kind of gal that I would love to spend a LOT of time with, chatting about life. Such a sweet face. Wonderful photos of her, my dear. You can really see the light of goodness shining from her smile. I will keep her and the family in my prayers.

[Mari]

You look wonderful in that hat! Glad you had a good visit with your Aunt. She's such a pretty lady and I love her sweet smile. I know she really appreciated that book you put together for her.
Sounds like a wonderful Mothers day, especially with that special solo by Andrew. I had to work but we had supper at Laura and Aarons, which was ended with a delicious cheesecake made by Heather. I came home to a phone call from Andy. Nice day!

[Debbie]

Sounds like you had a great day. Saturday was my birthday, Sunday Mother's Day. Last Tuesday we were in Nashville to hear the Legacy Choir (honors choir) at our grandson's Christian school. He was fantastic. The singing, the music, the dancing, the costumes.

[Donna (Texas)]

Oh Girl! You KNOW I'll be praying for All of you!
Love that you got to enjoy your family...and Duck Dynasty is a hoot. You Also take a Beautiful picture! Love them All!
hughugs

[Lori]

Jenny, thank you so much for posting lovely pictures of us and you. It was soooo good to see you and Erica. I had a wonderful time to spend my quality time with you both. Nice comment! Love you, my sweet cousin. Mwah! \,,/_