CH 23 The Moms

"Honor thy father and thy mother." Exodus 20:

With the passing of our fathers Sharon and I felt responsibility for our mothers. Our friends think it strange that we go to Wichita almost every Saturday to see our mothers. We enjoy the time with them and want to take advantage of the time we have. Sharon’s mom came to Wichita and started working immediately. She took care of a boy and girl, learned to do taxes for H&R Block, and worked for a radio station. She sold their camper to pay bills. Each year when she gets crop payments she shares with each of her girls. After my dad died we were worried about my mother. Dad had set aside some money and the house was fully paid for. Beyond those plans Mom only had Social Security, and actually has been able to save money.

Both Sharon and I had good relationships with both sets of parents, separately. Our parents never had much contact with each other during our married life. The events of the next few years would unfold so that our mothers would begin to have contact and develop a friendship. Sharon and I lived in Winfield, 45 miles from both of our mothers. With the special events in the lives of our grandchildren we invited family members to share them. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays began to be family events for our extended family.

At first our mothers came separately to the celebrations. Since my mother doesn’t drive a car one of my sisters would bring her to our house. Soon the events in my sisters’ lives called for their attention. Sharon’s Mom offered mom a ride to our house for a party. Mom was hesitant, but wanted to be involved and so she took the ride. During the past few years it hasn’t been unusual for “the Moms” to come to our house for a meal on Saturday or Sunday. It’s easier when some special occasion warrants the get together. At other times when Adam our youngest grandson is here we can usually get the Moms to Winfield.

What a wonderful time it is to have four generations of our family together. The younger family members benefit from learning about the older members of the family. Sharon and I have been enriched by the relationship of our mothers. God has truly blessed us in allowing us the chance to honor our mothers. Our mothers have gained a better understanding of us by knowing each other. Hopefully, our children and grandchildren will see the value and develop this relationship with their mothers and fathers.