Molly and David fell in love, were happily married, and then on October 31st, 1922 God gave this happy couple a precious gift from heaven. It wasn't a pumpkin or a ghost or a goblin, or any other TRICK. They must have been very, very good because He gave them a very special TREAT! And their TREAT was a precious little baby girl who they named “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.
Mom met Dad, Herb, when she was 23 and six weeks later, they were married. Talk about a whirlwind courtship! Dad was a young, itinerant minister who was speaking at Mom’s church. I love hearing her tell the sweet details of their first meeting when he and her met on the way to the restrooms, and a day later showing up at her home and asking her parents if he could date her, to the 55 years that ensued to his passing, They had two children, Ronald (Ron) and Karen. This precious lady, "Mom", means the world to me, because were it not for her, my life would have never been filled with such love, joy, and happiness from having her son as my precious husband. I celebrate her and her life of giving, loving, and caring for so many. She has been a true gift to all who know her. She has left her mark on so many lives, including mine. Though she is actually my mother-in-law, it has always been so natural to call her "Mom", because she's always treated me like her daughter. She loved me when I was just 12 years old when I met her for the first time and has continued to love, support, pray for and encourage me all these years.
I know there are funny and often "catty" remarks about "mother-in-law’s". Not in my case. I know that were it not for her, I would have never been blessed with my sweetheart. I am so grateful for her and I appreciate, respect and honor her. And, that's the kind of "in-law" I desire to be for my children and grandchildren's spouses.
Fortunately, I’ve been here in Tulsa since Saturday and each day I’ve had the opportunity to go and sit with her. Yesterday when I showed up, she was standing erect, beaming from ear to ear with excitement that her two sisters-in-law and brother-in-law from Dallas were coming in town to see her and celebrate her birthday with her. How wonderful that there are those who desire to show up and express their love while their loved one is still on this side of heaven.
Just being in Mom’s presence brings peace. In our conversation on Sunday, I said, “Mom, what piece of wisdom would you give for your long and peace-filled life?” Without hesitation, she said, “1) Stay busy; 2) Help others whenever you can; and 3) If there’s somebody you don’t like, just let it roll over you.” Those words aren’t earth-shaking, but I’ve seen them played out in her life. Still, at 96, she stays busy. She stays busy with the office work she does for Karen & George’s business and she’ll either be reading her Bible, praying or on the phone to encourage someone. And, that part about not liking someone and letting it roll over you, she’s referring to cranky, bitter and hateful people. She’ll get pretty frustrated with them, but then, she’ll realize their attitudes are not hers, so she gives them to God to deal with them. She literally lets it roll off her shoulders to His.
On this 96th birthday of Lydia Wuerch, I pay special tribute to a beautiful, thoughtful and devoted Mom, Granny, and friend to so many. God must have loved us so much, that He gave her to us as the best TREAT ever. I celebrate this special day, 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 faithfulness and His love. Happy "96th" Birthday, Mom!
