Mom is Home!

On June 20, 2018, Mom took her last breath on earth and her very next breath in Heaven!  There is much comfort and joy in knowing that Mom is in God’s presence because of her faith and trust in Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  She is healed and without limits.  And we know we WILL be with her again one day!

Mom met Dad at a BSU event while at Texas Technological College.  When she graduated on May 21, 1951, with a degree in Home Economics, my Granddaddy and Mother were the first of two generations to graduate from Tech.  Dad graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  The very next day, May 22, 1951, Carl William Schoeffler married Glenna Mae Hackney; and they moved to Houston.  After a few years they moved to Lufkin and then in 1955 they settled in Pasadena where they raised their five children.  Dad died four months before he and Mom were to have celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Before they married, my parents decided on three goals that they desired for their family.  Through the years we were reminded, both verbally and by example, of their commitment to these decisions. It was important to them that their children grow up in a Christian family.  They desired that all of their children become followers of Christ.  Mom and Dad lived, taught, and modeled that for us to see.  Their walk matched their talk.  Church was a priority.  If we had a school event the night before, we were expected to be ready, on time, and attend church the next morning.  Even when we drove the 560 miles from Lubbock, to visit our grandparents, cousins, and family, we left early enough in the morning to be home in time for evening worship.  They were involved in the programs of the church and we were too.

Mom and Dad were committed to raising a close-knit family.  We attended athletic events, school activities, and other happenings for siblings and were taught and expected to support and encourage each other.  Dinnertime was a priority.  It was not unusual for all of us to still be seated at the table 30 minutes or longer after a meal telling stories, laughing, and visiting.  We attended family reunions each summer and grew up knowing our great aunts and uncles, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cousins.  For over 30 years, our family has spent a week together at Galveston.  I’m sure this year will be full of stories and remembrances of Mom/Grandmom/Great-Grandmom.  Family traditions continue to make family time special and a priority.  We get together for holidays, birthdays, and every other chance we get.

A respect and desire for education was another goal our parents had for us.   It was always “when” you go to college and not “if” you go to college.  Of course, Granddaddy Hackney always said, “When you go to Tech…”  We were expected to have good attendance, proper behavior, a good work ethic, complete homework and assignments, study, and do our best.  Help and guidance were offered when needed.  The importance of education was passed on and encouraged in the next generations as well. 

My mom is one of the most caring, genuinely sweet, giving, creative, and thoughtful people I know.  She was always ready to help in whatever ways she could.  Raising 5 children she somehow was able to get her instructions heard without raising her voice.  She chose to speak well of people and had a great sense of humor.  Mom made our clothes and costumes, attended all of our programs and sporting events, was involved with church and school programs, and managed all of that at the same time.  The ten grandchildren were also the recipients of Mom’s loving care and involvement in their activities.  The grandkids learned quickly to call Grandmom if they had a big project.  Mom would have the supplies they needed in her craft room.  When someone was speaking of Martha Stewart one time, one of the grandsons said, “What’s the big deal?  Grandmother can do all that.”  Some of my sweetest joys this week have been the remembrances the grandchildren have shared about Mom.

Mom taught 2nd grade Sunday School for over 50 years at South Main Baptist Church, Pasadena, Texas.  Mom would make cloth bags for each child in her class which would hold their Bible and Sunday School literature.  She embroidered the child’s name on each bag.

For brides Mom would make rag bags, which were decorated, embroidered with the bride’s name, and full of rags.  When Mom and Dad had their first mess to clean up, after they married, they only had new towels and cloths to use.  Thus, the thoughtfulness behind the gift she gave to the soon to be brides.

As the neighbors that lived on our street began aging, Mom would go out early every morning and place their newspaper on their front porch. 

Mom sent birthday cards, encouraging notes, baked cakes for people, and hosted numerous showers.  Mom’s sweetness, caring, and gratitude continued even after the dementia began setting in.  Several of the caregivers and nurses, at the assisted living place where Mom lived, made it a point to come by her room this past week to tell us how much they loved and respected Mom.  Even though she could no longer do so many of the things she did before her previous strokes, they commented on how she was always so sweet and would thank them when they helped her. 

Mom has invested in and left an amazing heritage and legacy for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Now may I, too, be in the process of doing the same. 

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

     she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,

     and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household

     and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

     her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women do noble things,

     but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty fleeting;

     but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

     and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:25-31