March 24, 2021

Mother, Daughter, Sisters ~ Valerie Ronald


When I twirled, the full skirt of my new Easter dress bloomed around me like the ruffle of a daffodil. The sunny yellow and white windowpane checked fabric matched my mother’s new dress, as did our white shoes, gloves and hats. My mother’s flair for sewing shone in the mother and daughter outfits she made for an Easter church service and luncheon. Being only five years old I barely recall the event, yet I vividly remember feeling proud to be dressed like my lovely mother.

My mother was the center of my world yet there were times when she seemed to disappear even when she was physically present. I realize now that she suffered from bouts of depression, related to the long absences of my sailor father on navy voyages and his battle with alcoholism. Deeply hurt by his condition, she would retreat into a shell, even from her children. I remember trying to read her face so I would know how to respond to her. She was a beautiful woman but when she closed herself off her pale, taut face seemed to belong to a stranger. I watched her for any sign of my real mother returning. Chores were done without being told, little bouquets of wild flowers offered and hugs given even when she wouldn’t hug me in return. Somehow I believed if I was a good little girl she would become the warm, loving mother I missed so much. Actually it had nothing to do with my behavior and all to do with my father’s.

We always knew we were loved and wanted, however my brothers and I grew up with the fixed knowledge that we were secondary to the foundation of our parents’ love for each other. In spite of my father’s increasing struggle with alcoholism, their love gave me a sense of security I felt was unshakable. Coming into a room to find them in each other’s arms made me squirm in delight rather than embarrassment. Sometimes I squeezed my small self into that treasured place between their embrace just to absorb the overflow of their love.

Because she loved him so wholeheartedly, my mother was devastated to lose my father to cancer when he was just 60. At that time I was a young mother of three myself, raising a family and struggling with my own marriage problems. I was also a new believer in Christ, so I shared with my mother the little I knew about the Savior I loved, to offer her comfort. In God’s providence, He provided a caring Christian neighbor who befriended her and shared the healing truth of the gospel so eventually my mother became a believer too. Her new friend invited her to church and enfolded her into a warm circle of women who ministered to her hurting heart and helped her grow in her new faith.

It was a gift when she came to live in our community so she could be closer to my family. Visiting for hours over tea in her bright seaside apartment deepened our relationship beyond mother and daughter, because now we had a common faith to explore. Together we joined a Christian Women’s Club luncheon group where we made friends and memories. My children grew up with the knowledge that Grandma was their biggest fan. She faithfully attended their school concerts, came to their birthday parties and encouraged them in all they did. I soon realized that my mother had become my best friend.


There were still times when she was unreachable, when grief for my father rose strong even after many years, when all I could do was pray for her. These times sent the roots of her faith deep because she realized how much she needed the Lord. I learned so much from her in her suffering. When my time of suffering came with a vengeance, she was there by my side – steadfast, generous, loving me as only she could.

My mother loved celebrating Easter. Her warm brown eyes teared up whenever she talked about what Jesus had done on the cross to save her. She embraced the traditions of Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, preparing her spirit with topical devotionals and events. Her holiday weekend was usually spent with us, often accompanied by gifts of chocolate eggs and bouquets of spring flowers.

As a little girl in a matching twirly Easter dress, I loved my mother with a child’s dependence and adoration. Because the wonderful truth of the first Easter morning rose in both our spirits, we became more than mother and daughter – we became sisters in Christ. The anticipation of our someday reunion in heaven is particularly sweet when Easter comes around each year.
  

 
 
 
 
Valerie's devotionals can be read on her blog https://scriptordeus.wordpress.com

11 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful tribute to your mother!

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  2. Such a beautiful story, Valerie. Thank you for sharing it.

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  3. Thank you so much for sharing these memories with us today, Valerie! Love your photos. A lovely tribute to your mom. I remember being about the same age (around five) and being so proud of the new dress I was wearing on Easter Sunday.

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  4. What a touching story. My mom wasn't nice but I understand her better as an adult. Even so, it's my dad whom I miss more than Mom.

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  5. I can hardly see to type! Joydrops fill my eyes and my heart is cheering. I can identify with the mother-daughter outfits, because my mom also sewed beautifully and made all my clothes. What a wonderful end to the story - or should I say, interlude. We'll continue the love story with our mothers some day!
    Thanks, Valerie, for this beautiful Easter story.

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  6. What beautiful, moving and lovely threads of memories you have weaved into this post. Thanks so very much for sharing with us.

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  7. Hi Valerie! Thank you for sharing memories of your mom with us. Your words of love reflecting on your mother triggered memories I have of my mother. You speak of your mom with a depth of lasting love. I can relate to the depression she experienced. Thank you for respecting and loving her in spite of when she was, "unreachable." I'm sure your mother would be proud of you. Blessings to you, Valerie.

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  8. So well said Valerie. Many of us were raised by parents who suffered from depression. Your words were very encouraging.

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  9. Thank you for sharing these beautiful beautiful memories of your mom, and your deep love for her. My mom too made all of my clothes, including my Easter dresses.

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  10. I loved this poignant but hope-filled true story. Thank you!!! ❤

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