By Dr. Jacquelyn Simmons
Scripture: Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee (Deuteronomy 5:16 KJV).
Dear “Bill”,
It is with both joy and sorrow, we (Dena, Julia, and I), are dedicating this rose bouquet to you. We are also including “Ronnie”, your baby and only son, who crossed the Jordan a few years ago. Even though our bouquet is being delivered after Mother’s Day, it still includes the same feelings on which time has no effect.
We were excited beyond human description when the pastors, officers, and members of our church, New Hope Baptist Church, located in Denver, Colorado, honored you as Woman of the Year. You were an avid, faithful church member and made sure that we were active participants as well.
Every Sunday morning, every one of us had to gather around the “well-decked” breakfast table and actively participate in family devotions before partaking of the delicious food. Afterward, we all were “church-bound” whether willing or unwilling. Thank you, very, very, much! Today, some of us are applying those teachings to our children and advising them to do so, also.
We want to thank you for our being able to talk to you about any and everything and the advice you gave us of which we are still applying to our lives today. In many instances, we not only have used it for our benefit, but to assist others who need encouragement and a sense of direction in which to travel during these stressful times in all of our lives.
Due to our awareness for your penchant for beautiful clothes, we made sure that you were “decked out” in whatever your heart desired on Mother’s Day, Easter, Christmas (Your birthdate), etc.
As a wonderful mother, you set a beautiful pattern for us which we have not followed and most women will not follow today (Smile). You were always as well-groomed around the house all day as you were and other women were in public places. Every day, you wore frilly aprons, medium heeled shoes, and stockings, fancy hair-do’s designed by you, make-up, and completely repaired all of those attractions before retiring at night. Wow!!!
When it came to preparing food, I am still searching for your “twin” pie-crust, lemon, and apple pies, but to no avail. There are no matches to your red beans, rice, fried pork chops, and potato salad. No! No!! No!!! “Daddy tried but failed (Smile). He out ate us sometimes (Smile).
If you will note, the white roses indicate that you are deceased, but the red…You are alive in each of us! Still “teary-eyed” while missing you, but thank God for both you and “Daddy”. His turn will come up soon (Smile).
Love,
“Us”
P.S. Children who curse their parents, God will drastically cut their years of life. We are living witnesses.
