Mamma
















It's "Mamma-Liz" on the Christmas packages since "Uncle Liz" (as Jonathan used to call her)
joined the clan.

I find "Mother" slipping out of my mouth after 35 years with Terri. She has always used that word for her Mom and I guess she's rubbing off on me. More often, and almost always, since the kids arrived, it is Granny.

All of my life she has seemed youthful and above any kind of ailment or sickness --- always the one to take care of US when WE we were sick. Often thought to be our sister or any other young beauty besides our Mom. It hasn't been too long ago when one of her doctors assumed that her traveling companion was her husband (it was me). But that's probably more of a description of me right now than of Mother.

The last couple of years have been very hard for her as her health has departed. Her breathing comes with great difficulty and this leaves her very weak and tired. She has an oxygen tank in the house and a portable unit to carry when she goes out and it is her life-line but it is also representative of her limitation and what she is able to do and what she can't do.


She was involved in an automobile accident nearly 10 years ago ---- and that bang up might be the culprit that has caused this present symptom --- but doctors cannot agree on that, or if they could they seem completely unable to tackle it as a cause that can be irradicated.

And when I say "doctors" I mean 15 or more. And not just "doctors," but some of the top medical specialists in the country.

Blood, bone, tissue, nerve, and breath. She's been x-rayed, scoped, MRIed, scanned, poked, prodded and tested in every way imaginable ---- multiple times. Still no answers or solutions.


I don't know anyone in the world who deserves less trouble and sickness for their reward than Mamma. She raised us, fed and clothed us, sent us to school and took us to church. She never missed a game, a song or a sermon. She graduated us, married us off, and continued to care for us and help us long after we were grown. She still cares for us --- but it seems that we can't provide what she needs --- as she always found a way to provide what we needed as we were growing up.

We went to see one more doctor last Monday. And as difficult as it is to see a genuinely caring and compassionate physician and long time friend (30 years) shrug his shoulders, bow his head and throw up his hands in defeat --- it is more difficult to leave that appointment "empty-handed" with just another doctor appointment in the coming days as the only present given hope.

I don't think its a stretch for me to think of Job when I think of Mamma because of her unanswered prayers and vain search for help.

Lord, if Mother's life has been a proving ground for some point of Yours . . . .
If she has been the subject of some Divine/Devil wager . . . .
If she is being tested and tempted and tried for some higher purpose or reason . . . .

I think she's passed with flying colors . . . . don't you?

I'm ready for chapter 42 . . . . . . I know Mamma is.