This past week, one of my sons' high school friend's mother passed away. She was only 56, which is sort of alarming to me in itself. She was the birth mother to 13 children, and everybody else's "mother," too.
Her children respected her and cared for her. I knew one of her boys, Walter, and a few of her other children by reputation. My son Joe Hardy and Walter used to talk about "government cheese," those five-pound blocks of American that came in a box that was the perfect size for a Barbie bed or refrigerator. If you have ever had "government cheese," I need say no more.
Being a "black mama," (I use that term with the utmost, UTMOST respect) she had influence in a greater community than I could ever have. On Joe Hardy's MySpace, there is a tribute going around with dozens, Dozens, DOZENS of names. Thirteen children will get you a passle of high-school kids who love you.
Charming works with Mrs. Reese's cousin. I understand the church was over-filled for the funeral--main floor, balcony, basement. Only heaven will tell of the real influence of Mrs. Janet Reese.
The verse in Proverbs 31 comes to mind: "her children rise up and call her blessed."
Only there are a lot more of us than just her children making that statement today.
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3 comments :
What a lovely tribute to a beloved Mama.
She and her family will be in my prayers today...she is so very young...
It is sad that such a remarkable lady was taken from your community at such a young age. She and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless Mrs. Reese.
Violet
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