DON’T SPREAD THE WORD. This is not a Mother’s Day article I’d want out there too far.
Let’s keep it in the family of folks who read my books.
I created a video tribute to Mom back in 2012, when she was pretty sick. My plan was to play it at her funeral.
She didn’t die.
She’s still alive.
And doing quite well.
She’s helping look after a couple of her great-grandchildren when they get out of school each afternoon.
Something finally dawned on me.
Why not show the video before she dies, while she’s still in the vicinity?
Maybe kind words are best said before she’s dead.
Here’s the thing that worries me. This video is personal. It’s like inviting you to a family party celebrating Mom’s life.
I’m posting the video tribute on YouTube. But I’m keeping it unlisted. That means you can’t find it by searching keywords or topics. You have to know the link address.
Most people don’t click links like this one: Kind words about Mom for Mother’s Day.
For those who don’t click let me say this. I know mothers who stink up motherhood. My mom isn’t one of them.
The video will tell you more about my mom than most strangers would want to know, though I think the family would appreciate the story. Today, you’re invited into the family, for a few minutes.
I hope the pictures and video clips you’ll see will stir up happy memories about your own family. Or maybe suggest an idea or two for the days ahead.
Lovely tribute! Beautiful inside & out!!
Thanks Debbie.
At the one minute mark in the video, it appears portraits of family members have been placed in the windows. Unusual, never seen anything like that before.
I cannot describe what I think of this, and not just for the obvious reasons. A touching, historical tribute to your mother for sure, a mother who raised a not-too-shabby son as well.
Your stated she is now helping with two great-grandchildren? Could it be her health improved when she saw a need to serve? There seems to be a spiritual and physical link to unselfishness and stamina?
Another great post. I think we are seeing the Golden Age of Miller bloggings.
Thanks for sharing something so deeply private and personal.
Thanks Tom.
At the 1-minute mark, there’s a photo of family members in front of the Williams Homeplace. It’s an actual photo, not a composite. Is that the image you’re talking about?
About Mom’s health, I’m not sure what turned her around. Maybe a combination of stuff. She moved into a mother-in-law’s suite with my little sis and her husband, out in the woods, in a house built by the Amish. It’s on what used to be a Christmas Tree farm. Nice setting. Taking care of the kids certainly gives her joy and makes her feel needed, for she is needed.
As for the personal nature of the video, I’m very nervous about it. But it seems to me that the idea behind it is worth the risk of sharing. Maybe others will do something similar for those they love. Also, this is a way to let everyone know that this is what it means to be a mom who is loved. You need to be a mom who loves.
Tom, I just realized you’re talking about the pictures tacked to the front windows. They are actually pictures of Republican presidents. I am now biting my tongue and refusing to type further.
Thank You so much for sharing your Mother with us. The Miler family is so lucky to have Aunt Lea Ann in their family. I have seen 1st hand how Aunt Lea Ann makes each & every member of the family very special. I remember one of the family reunions in West Virginia we took my granddaughter Sheila with us. Sheila spent as much time as she could right at Aunt Lea Ann’s side. This I believe is one of your best works. Thank You.
Thanks Arlene. Very kind of you. Mom does have a way with kids. As one of her five kids, I’ll take some credit for that.
Beautiful video, you clearly see the love of Jesus in your sweet mom. May God bless her and your family in a special way this year.
Thanks Lisabeth. Blessings on you and your clan, too.
Steve: I read many (if not all) of your blog posts. Had to respond in writing to this one. It’s been quite a while since I last saw your Mom. I believe it was at one of the kids’ graduations. At that time, some years had passed since the previous time we had seen each other. I am a stranger to her….at least in terms of not being blood-related. I remember getting both a kiss on the cheek and a big hug from her. I really cherish that memory…..being shown that same love that she shares with all of her kids and grand kids.
I am glad to hear that she is doing well, and feeling that she has an important place within her family. Please tell her I said “hello” and wish her a Happy Mother’s Day for me.
Thanks for sharing such a personal tribute with all of us. What a powerful reminder to those of us with a parent still living……to say those words of love and appreciation while we still can.
Thanks, Shari. I didn’t know about that hug and kiss. Way to go, Mom.
What a beautiful tribute! My mom died in 1991 at the young age of 64. And to this day I sometimes catch myself wanting to give her a call when I come across something she would have liked hearing about. Thanks for sharing your family with us.
You’re welcome. Steve. Thanks for kindness.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady with a beautiful family as well!
Thanks Gary.
Your video shows nothing but love! Thanks for sharing your life and personal moments of your mom and family. It is a wonderful tribute.
Thanks Tracy.
By the way, world, Tracy is my financial advisor. She takes care of my mom’s finances, too. She does a wonderful job. She’s at myfinancialavenues.com.
As you so often offer something for all of us to think about, this is truly a priceless gift. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute. Wishing your Mom another wonderful Mother’s Day as beautiful and lovely as she is.
Very kind of you, Janice. I’ll read your note to Mom. In fact I’ll read her all the comments that you and others make. Thanks so much. It will brighten her day.