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The front doorbell rang. There they were. Just like that. Come for a Sunday afternoon visit. They brought gifts - lovely gifts - these friends from their Sunday School class. But the very best gift they brought was their time - the visit itself.
For two hours they sat, sharing stories and laughter. It was my Mom's idea of the perfect gift. A visit.
She has the gift of hospitality. Our home was the one where friends gathered, where missionaries occupied the guest bedroom whenever there was a need, where friends were entertained and meetings were held.
When we kids grew up and moved away, it was the place we returned - calling it "going home." Our children loved going to Grandma's house, and now their children find the same welcoming warmth. For it isn't about the house at all. That has changed over the years. It is her heart that draws us.
Ninety years of living have taken their toll. Hospitality comes with increasing difficulty, but it hasn't dimmed the joy she finds in a simple visit.
I go as often as I can. It is always a coming home. The welcoming smile; the open arms; the kiss on the cheek; the listening heart.
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I'm linking up with the community that finds its way to Lisa Jo's welcoming place. Please join us.
Blessings,
Linda
Oh I love the picture you paint of your mother and her visitors! Blessings to you!!
ReplyDeletemy mom is 89...she too loves have people come...her kids...all the grandkids...now bringing with them their great grands...visits are so important...simple acts that can reach deep within a soul.
ReplyDeleteI had a lovely visit and think about it often. Your Mum is so very special...
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, perfectly paced piece of writing, Linda! You've pulled up memories from deep in my heart with your simple reflection on your own visiting and visitors. I miss my visits to my own grandmother, and my kids cannot visit either of theirs now because they live too far. That makes me sad, that their memories are limited. Oh, but I will celebrate your opportunities and live vicariously!
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely. I will hold this close today: "The welcoming smile; the open arms; the kiss on the cheek; the listening heart."
It's a wonderful thing, that visit with Mama. I was told once, "Go visit your mama as often as you can." Now she's gone and how I would love to go quilt with her, eat those good baked sweet potatoes she had for me, and wait for the 8:00 a.m. phone calls. But, someday ~ we'll meet again!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
I would love your mom.I would love to be like her. My mother-in-law loved to "entertain" visitors as well as go visiting. They made friends all over the country.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the crocks and that phone...
lacy memories line shelf
ReplyDeleteedges; crocks, heavy
striped,
huddle close; sorted pans
display beauty large
to small;
dishes drip
stories that drain
into hearts.