A BITTER-SWEET MOTHER'S DAY

I have always had a difficult time with Mother's Day.  I suppose it has to do with being taken from my mother at about five, getting a step-mother at seven, and then, when I was sixteen, being told I was to quit school and join the Navy.  From that time, until Judy and I were married (Judy 17, me 19), I began discovering what I had missed all my childhood:  unconditional love.  Judy's mother was the only person I have ever known, who would never say anything bad about anyone!  She never took sides during conflicts involving family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. because she cared about the feeling of those on either side!  She would listen to people present their cause, trying to get her to rally to their defense, but she would not.  I can just imagine her thoughts; "I'm not gettin' into your mess - you're on your own.  But when the smoke cleared, she was there comforting the "loser," and still loving the "winner." 

More than anyone else I have known, Dorothy Tetley was a Proverbs 31 kind of woman!  Those who knew her will clearly recognize her in this passage:

[10] Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
[11] The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
[12] She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
[13] She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
[14] She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
[15] She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
[16] She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
[17] She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
[18] She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
[19] She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
[20] She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
[21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
[22] She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
[23] Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
[24] She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
[25] Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
[26] She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
[27] She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
[28] Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
[29] Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
[30] Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

The proof of her goodness is seen in her son's and her daughters' love for her; their being there for her in her last days.  I'm sure she is "dusting" the "mansions" the Lord has prepared for her and her children!  We love you Mom, and we thank you for being such a good example of a Christ-like woman!