Gone, but Not Forgotten

These pictures were taken at our daughter's wedding on November 20, 1992.

On the left is my mother (Barbara Jean), and on the right is my mother-in-law (Laura May).

My mother died on December 7, 2003, and my other mother (Larry's mom) died just a couple of months later (February 19, 2004).

I have wonderful memories of both of them, and long to visit with them. Someday I will see them again in Heaven. But, for now, I'll just ask God to let them know how much I love them and miss them . Oh, and one more thing, dear Lord, would you also tell them, "Happy Mother's Day" for me? Thanks!

In sorting through the mess on my desk one day, I made a great "find"--a copy of a poem that my mom wrote when she was a young girl. It was also published in her church bulletin way back when . . . . . . .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MY TASK

To trust forever in God's tender care;
To cling to hope always and everywhere;
To live the life of love--to get and share;
And do the kindly deed;
This is my task.

To build a character both pure and strong;
To bravely stand for right, resist the wrong;
To climb the mountain path and sing faith's song;
And go where He may lead;
This is my task.

To give myself with all my powers to God;
To live the life that's lofty, deep and broad;
To walk with courage steadfast, heaven's road;
And listen for His voice;
This is my task.

To seek God's perfect will to do and know;
To wiser, kinder, better, nobler grow;
To error drive away, truth's beauty show;
And to ever rejoice;
This is my task.

Written by Barbara Jean Deane
(Daughter of Rev. Forest William Deane)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I found this poem, I added it into my own book of poetry (poems that I have written). I wrote the following letter to my mom, attached it to the poem she wrote, and then presented her with a duplicate of my book of poetry.

Mom, do you have any idea what it did for me to find this? I vaguely remember seeing this once before, but can't remember when or how it came to be in my possession. I'm sure you must have given it to me on one of my trips to Montana.

Writing poetry has become a very enjoyable hobby in my life, and now I know this is another special thing you and I have in common. This is very well written! (I counted the beats of each line.) What a wonderful blessing in my life to find this poem written by you (and what a great reward for tackling the mess on my desk)!

It's a funny coincidence that I found this poem during the tackling of "my task" (one which had become a nightmare for me). It's also interesting to me that your poem is entitled "My Task" because that is also the name of a song that I have always liked a lot.

Mom, thanks for sharing your poetry with me. A week or two ago, I had the thought that I should send my poems to you. Now, after finding your poem, I realize, even more, that you might enjoy knowing that your daughter also writes poetry. So here they are--I hope you enjoy reading them. I have also set some of them to music (one more reason why I would love to have a piano, which we have begun looking for).

Love, Jeannie