Saturday, December 12, 2009

A Special Christmas Cactus

A couple of years ago, my husband's mother gave me a Christmas Cactus plant and it has started blooming, just in time for Christmas.

A year ago today, that precious lady fell asleep on her sofa and woke up in Heaven.

She was the sweetest, kindest, gentlest, and most humble lady, who devoted her life to raising five fine children and taking care of her husband.

She was 86 when she died and was still very active, spending the last several years of her life ministering to the needs of "the old people," as she called them, at a community senior center. She was always doing for others and was as close to a saint as a person can be on earth. She loved to laugh and never had an unkind word about anyone. She spent her life glorifying and serving the Lord.

Every time I look at my cactus plant, it's as if she has stopped by for a visit, and it warms my heart when I remember the sweet, sweet spirit of the dear precious lady my husband called Mom.

7 comments:

Merisi said...

What wonderful memories of a dear beloved, so much gracious beauty, as if she wanted to bring light and color into your life from heaven.

RachelD said...

What a sweet and loving tribute!!

I had one of those as well, an angel on Earth, and now do again in Chris' Mom.

We're both vastly blessed, and I know seeing the bright cheery reminder of that sweet lady is comforting and gladdening in this most special of times.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, that is the absolute sweetest tribute to a MIL I have ever heard. You are Ruth. And you are so much like your MIL. No wonder your husband married you!
Your own sweet spirit is abundantly evident in every picture you take and every word you type. I loved reading this so much. I can picture her vividly. I know she would be so honored at this tribute and so proud to have a DIL just like you!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Dixie said...

what a sweet story and beautiful photos of your wonderful Christmas cactus...

ps... I love the ornaments in the window the best too!

hugs. Dixie

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Dear MIL an angel on earth and now serving in Gods Angel Band...the catus is just beautiful and so bright...she knew it would bring a little sunshine into your life.

Linda S H said...

Janie, Your husband's mother sounded like my Grandmother. Late in her life when she couldn't even drive anymore, she would travel to the nursing home to help care for the elderly, when she was elderly herself! What a wonderful example these godly saints are!

Your Christmas cactus looks like the one my Mom gave me. Unfortunately, I put it outside for a while, thinking that it would benefit by some sunshine, and it died. :( It had the most gorgeous flowers on it at Christmas time just like yours did! I miss it!

Tonja said...

What beautiful words about a dear lady! It's evident you cared very deeply for her...and I am sure she knew it!