Reforming the Feminine ContentShe Taught Me How To Make Rhubarb Pie
I miss Jeanne. I miss her smile, her cooking, her encouragement, her steadiness, her morning coffee, her glasses she wore when she read her bible on her big orange couch… I even miss watching her clean. I was only her daughter for such a short time. I didn’t have much time to get to know her, but I still think I got to know the very best of her. I can’t imagine how much other people must miss her, all those people that knew her for so much longer and deeper.
In those 3 years I’ve known her, she became my role model, almost immediately. I wanted to be like her. I wanted to learn from her, I wanted to watch her. Maybe, just maybe… if I could of watched her longer, I could have become more like her.
I miss her more when things are wrong. She used to make things right. She had a way to calm people down, to give encouragement, to make situations lighter. I started feeling sorry for myself. If only I had another wise woman I could be close to. If only I could have replaced Mom with another mom. If only I was closer to older women at church that are wise and gentle like her.
Then, I realized something. The thing that made Jeanne so wonderful and beautiful was Jesus. And He’s still here.
And, when I worship Jesus, it’s what she’s doing too! It’s almost like we’re still hangin’ out.
I was especially blessed by the testimonies of her children at her memorial. It gave me hope as a mom of little ones that faithfulness in these days makes a real difference long term.
Candice,
I am touched by your words of admiration for Jeanne and I look forward to meeting her in heaven. Also, I am reminded of a song written by a local artist in the 80’s,”I Love the Jesus in You”. I am certain I have the old cassette tape!!
I never thought about the fact that when we lose those radiant Jesus-loving people… we don’t lose who made them radiant: Jesus.
Thanks for writing this, Candice.
Very awesome post! You were blessed to have Jeanne in your life as long as you did….now you can be that role model to others! Take those gifts you learned from Jeanne and let God continue to do a work in you!