Wednesday, August 13, 2014

August 13, 2014, Mom's 80th Birthday


HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY MOM!!
  
Eighty years ago today, on August 13, 1934, Mom was born in Milan, Quebec. Very few people in the world can make this claim because the population of Milan has always been sparse.

Today Mom reached her 80th birthday, but sadly, she is not even aware of this special milestone in her life. For the past fifteen years, perhaps a bit longer, she has struggled with Alzheimer's disease as it has slowly, agonizingly and relentlessly robbed her of everything in life, except her life thus far.

"Go eat your your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already approved what you do."
(Ecclesiastes 9:7)

... and this is the way Mom has lived for as long as she has been able.


Photo of Mom thirty years earlier celebrating her 50th birthday doing what she loved to do during the hot summers, sitting in the back yard and having a picnic dinner.

"Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them.
(Ecclesiastes 12:1)



While celebrating another birthday, Mom is with Aunt Shirley, her only sibling, who was visiting from Vancouver.


Mom was fascinated with the "Little Girl" but was unable to understand this was her first great-grandchild.


Mom in the early 1950's. We rarely ever thought of Mom as once being young and a teenager.


Mom and Dad at Serampus Falls in Maine, making a pause while en route to Rangeley. At this time Mom was already early into her struggle with that hated disease. Mom always loved visiting this spot in Maine.

In spite of the afflictions that come upon us, life is a single, one-way journey; a precious gift of time that God alone grants us. 

"There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him."
(Revelation 22:3)

Mom always reminded us to always enjoy the moment because this is all that we have. 


The Oddblock Station Agent


Addendum August 14, 2014


80 years old! I wish we could know what she is thinking, but she cannot tell us. (Photo by Alan)

Addendum August 26, 2014


If only life was this simple and the following possible...




No comments:

Post a Comment