A Tribute to the One Who Gave Me my One and Only

I'm sure you've heard funny and catty remarks said about mother-in-laws. There are those who often talk about them as forces to be reckoned with, but that's not the case with mine. I'll tell you about her -- because today is her 98th birthday. We can never forget her birthday because it falls on this day, October 31st, and believe me, she is certainly the sweetest treat ever. That TREAT's name is “Lydia". “Lydia” means “worshipper of God“! And true to her name, she has been, and is, a true worshipper of God. You'll find her at any given time with her Bible in hand -- reading and praying for her family and friends. While we would have loved to have had a big celebration for this big 98th -- as with so many who have had to social-distance from loved ones, so have we. I won’t be with her today because she is so lovingly being cared for by my sis-in-law who provides such amazing support and tender loving care for her every day. Karen insists that Mom is safe and protected from any chance of illness coming from the outside. Honestly, Karen's TLC is the reason Mom is still with us on this side of heaven. My grandmother, my own mother and mom are credited with the prayers and orchestration of my husband and I making it through the years of "puppy love" and then marriage at such young ages. You might say it was an "arranged" marriage by God and them. The greatest gift Mom gave me was her beloved son. That beautiful boy who became a beautiful man stole my heart forever. I'm so grateful Mom instilled such strong faith into him, to be the man of God that he was, for his sense of humor, and, even for the “perfection” qualities that made him to always expect excellence from all of us. I thank her for everything about that precious man. Mom was always supportive to me as a daughter -- not just a daughter-in-law. She was there many times when I needed a shoulder to cry on. I’ll always remember and treasure her support Mom has been a true gift to all who know her. She has left her mark on so many lives, including mine. It has always been so natural to call her "Mom", because she's always treated me like a daughter. She loved me when I was just 12 years old and has continued to love me, support me, pray for me and encourage me all these years. On this 98th birthday of Lydia Wuerch, I pay special tribute to a beautiful, thoughtful and devoted Mom, Granny and friend to so many. I honor her with my greatest devotion and thanksgiving to God for her life, her continual prayers for us for so many years and for the living example she is of knowing God, His love and His faithfulness. I pray that God gives Mom daily strength, healing and wholeness until the day she gets to go home sweet home in heaven. Until then, we’ll carry on and live for Jesus and serve Him all the days of our lives! Happy 98th, Mom! I love you so much!