In honor of our mom

This Friday - May 7th - would have been my mom's 86th birthday. She died in June 2006 at the age of 82. The following year, her five children combined their talents through e-mail on a poem to remember her by. The poem was then published in our hometown newspaper, the Roundup Record-Tribune. Here's the poem -- we each wrote a few lines about things we remembered. My brother Randy finished the poem and I think he did a remarkable job.

Tribute to a loving mother, Evelyn Van Dyke

Every corner of my house holds memories

of the kind and caring woman my mother was to me.

My shelves are lined with porcelain figures

and ageless pictures of family.

A cross dangling gently from a window

 reminds me of her spiritual life.

In the yard, a meadowlark sings of springtime

 and we stroll together in my mind.

 I remember her kitchen with meat and potato dinners

and pies baked while we awaited friends and family.

Her smile welcomed all,

and everyone had a place and a plate to join in.

The secrets she knew, she shared with no one.

But good news of her extended family was conversation for many.

The sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face were natural and genuine.

The world  might be hard but mom some how knew how to soften the landings.

She was rich in things that mattered – love, caring, sharing and feelings.

She could cry, or be stoic and she was often proud,

but never boastful of those she loved and held most dear.

 Although she bore the affects of diabetes and heart problems,

 she complained little,

  never let on that she had pain.

 Mom once said she felt like she was still 16;

 she never gave into feeling old --

Always ready for a drive and a game of cards.

“I thought of you again today, and asked God to say hello.

I know how happy you are when we call home.

I just like to stay in touch, may the Lord let you know

And I’m sure that He does, we love you very much”.

-- Your Children