A Grandmother's Legacy

This is a post previously posted on my first blog, Becoming Abigail. Recently a friend of mine lost their grandmother. It reminded me of losing mine and writing this post, so I decided to share it with you. 

Many of you know how I love to write poetry. A few years ago, I found out that my grandmother had also written poetry. I decided to share some of her poetry with you today, in a tribute to her. You see, she passed away last night after battling cancer.

My grandmother was a very talented woman. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and a talented seamstress. She passed these talents on to her daughters. She believed in the family. She came from a family of 13 children, and with the help of her husband, raised 7 children of her own.

My grandmother made a very special gift for each of her granddaughters. A bride doll, with a handmade dress and veil. (See attached picture.) I am her youngest granddaughter, and will be the last one to get married. I believe that my grandmother had a vision- a vision of a family for each of us, that we would each continue the family that she helped to start. I believe in her vision as well, and when God sends me my husband, I will remember her vision. I am thankful for the legacy that my grandmother passed down to her children and grandchildren- that of faith and family.

Here is a poem that she wrote to her own mother:

Dear Mother

From your deep and peaceful sleep,

You climbed the stairs; Or Lord to meet.

And as they dressed you in a long white gown,

Just a soft sigh, but not a sound;

A tiny tear touches your face,

As they pin your wings in place.

And above your beautiful soft white hair,

A halo shines in all its glory there.

A glorious walk down that golden street,

Your husband and all your friends to meet.

To express your many joys and gladness.

No more sorrows, worries or sadness,

Where love, faith and hope is the key.

what a beautiful, wonderful place to be.

You take your chair on the righthand of the Lord.

"So children, look at me,

An angel, I am to be."

So cry no more and dry your tears,

For to me you shall come through the years;

So continue to have patience and strong love,

Someday we shall meet in our heaven above.

Your Loving Daughter,

Doris Ruth

Originally posted on Becoming Abigail on June 11, 2010.

Chivalry Is NOT Dead

"Chivalry is dead." We've all probably heard that statement, in some form or another. Normally from some young girl lamenting its death and wondering why there aren't any polite young men (or older men for that matter) around anymore. Well friends, I hope you will be encouraged to know that chivalry is NOT dead!!! It still lives on in the hearts, actions, and attitudes of a few good men. I happen to know a handful of them personally.
Chivalry was almost killed by the feminist movement. Picture it: a couple out together for the evening. The man goes to open the door for the woman, being brought up to be chivalrous. The woman is highly offended and insists that she is capable of opening her own door, being brought up believing the lies of feminism. The man soon learns to not do anything chivalrous for his woman, lest he offend her. And then later the woman complains because her man is not chivalrous enough for her. Now, this may not always be the case, but too often it is!! The truth of the matter is, chivalry is not dead. BUT, if women continue telling men they can do things themselves, they don't need help, just because they are a woman doesn't mean they aren't capable, etc., soon chivalry WILL die. No man will continue to be polite and chivalrous to a woman with such a feminist mindset.
So women, be very careful if you are going to decline the help or assistance of a man. Do so only in an extremely polite, gracious, and non-feminist way. Always express your thankfulness and appreciation for their chivalrous offer.
Chivalry is not dead. But it might be if we aren't careful.

My Everyday Hero

In a few days we will be remembering something that happened 10 years ago. 9-11. September 11, 2001. It was a horrible tragedy for this country, and for so many thousands of people. Many civilians, police officers, and firefighters gave their lives. I can’t even begin to relate to the pain the family members of the fallen have gone through. But I am mindful of these people today. My father is a professional firefighter. On a regular basis he is on duty for 24 hours at a time. He and the other members of his shift sacrifice their personal and family time, their sleep, and sometimes endanger themselves to protect people. They run into burning buildings. They cut people out of totaled cars. They are there, ready to respond to an emergency at any given moment. It takes a special kind of man to do what they do. I am so proud of my father. I think we would all agree that these sorts of men are the everyday heros of our country. But let’s not forget our Heavenly Hero, who is also there for us 24/7. He was not only willing to lay down His life for us, He did die for us. Let us remember His sacrifice, both today and everyday. Have a blessed weekend friends. 

I'm Still Here!!!

What's up readers? My summer has been so busy but also amazing. God has done some great things. I'm currently trying to find a home-based medical transcriptioning job, teaching piano to 3 different students, continuing to write when I can, reading some great books (you should check out How to Win Friends and Influence People), helping my mom out around the house (cleaning, laundry, and even cooking!!), checking my brother's English, playing piano (I just set a new goal to learn a 19-page song. It's gonna take a while.), doing karate, helping out with kids' classes at karate, getting ready to start teaching a new Bright Lights class at church, and doing some physical therapy to deal with a knee issue. So I've been great!! I have a question for all of you readers: What would you like me to write about next? I'm open to suggestions. :)