Happy Mothers Day

My Earthly Treasure, My Mother - Anna Mae Godfrey

As small town girl who's life began in Virginia in 1939, then spending most of your youth in Sounthern Maryland you couldn't possibly have known the journey you would tread. Having married at the innocent age of 16, dad, a military man, who later became a minister. Together you embarked on a path that would lead to true contentment and joy.

Often in ministry, we hear of the one in the platform, the pastor. Rarely do we take time to mention the lady, the rock, standing beside that man who she, also leads a life of selflessness service to others in need of an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and a kind gentle word to be spoken into thier lives. In this case, that honorable woman is you, the one I proudly call "Mom".

You are a mother of all mothers! I know everyone thinks that of thier mom's but in my case it is truer than true! I know you as the unsung hero, the leader of our pack. The one who pulls each individual patch of our lives together no matter what we appear to be in that moment, and you somehow bring forth a beautiful quilt adorned by all.

I can't begin to tell of the countless individual lives throughout Harford county that you have personally made a vas difference. I honor and respect you! My heart melts when I am out and about as I run into someone who wants to tug me off to the side just to make mention of thier personal stories where you, my mother played a monumental role in encouraging them to make the best of thier lives. Mom, you are known as a gentle, elequent, quiet woman of integrity and vitrue. The lady who loves to give everyone a big smile & hug! That lady whom when you have something to say, it is profound and often lifechanging thus everyone stops to listen.

Thank you mom for in every aspect of the title, modeling a loving wife, mother and grandmother before your family and friends. Your love and devotion are without question. The example set forth to your children is untarnished...Some may laugh at this but we can say no one has ever heard you utter a fowel word nor speak ill of another individual. Instead, your character is to always seek the best in people believeing that even on thier worst days, that there is a brighter day just over the horizon. You birthed six children, and although not always easy, we know you cherished every season you were afforded. We are all grown, married and have nurtured children / grandchildren of our own with the experience & wisdom we gleaned from you - the best example on earth. Although we each live in seperate homes, there is always the feeling "there's no place like home with mom (and dad)". The years have passed every so rapidly. Today when I look at your beautiful face, accompanied by frail hard overworked hands, when I see you limping, all I can say is "thank you Lord for allowing me the priveledge of being one of her daughters who she invested so much of her heart into". I recall in my youth you explained that the older we become we would realize how life is truley a vapor. That one day we would enter the season where the years pass as quickly as months, the months feel like but only days and the days vanish before us as minutes. Oh how I wish we could take some of that time back...

Mom, you worked long hours to help support our family. You worked diligently both inside and outside our home. Then retired twice, yes twice, all while never having to forfiet being at our fathers side in ministry. Not many can say that! You love unconditionally and without expectations of anything in return. You have never been a taker but only a giver. Many who read this will shout 'Amen". You are a lady of valor, those who are blessed to have you in thier lives are indeed that - Blessed! I will be honest, I believe you not only worked to help make ends meet, but you also worked so you could stand in the malls seeking out that certain individual who needed a kind word of encouragment. That's you, my mom! You love to love people, that's why in return you are loved beyond measure.

Thank you for your never ending, unconditional love and support. You've always been here for me in the good times and the bad. You are a rock! The Mother of all mothers!

This Mothers day I pray continual blessings and peace overshadow you. Above all else, I want you to know that you are loved with a never ending love.

Wendy Snyder