Giving Thanks for Martha
I am the oldest of ten grandchildren on my father’s side of the family. The second oldest is my cousin, Martha. She is only a little over three months younger than I am. Over the years we have shared secrets, written letters, and spent the night together giggling at foolish things the way most little girls do.
Together we learned how to drive grandpa’s jeep and managed to crash into the barn without getting hurt. We also had an accident in my dad’s dune buggy that involved us flying through a field and getting weeds in our face and hair. She was my first college room mate and she came home with me every weekend except one. The first weekend she didn’t come home with me, she met Glenn, and they have been together ever since.
I was in her wedding and she was in mine. When I go to the beach I always go close enough to her house so that she can come visit and we can take long walks…and even after 54 years we are still sharing secrets.
She has always been the perfect example of the virtuous woman, even as a teenager. I’m ashamed to admit it but there were times I resented her goodness. I felt I could never measure up. She likes to remind me of the time when we were teenagers and she swept the carport for my mother. Mom was bragging on her and I was jealous (and lazy) and got mad at Martha for being so good! What a snot I was. Even though I didn’t deserve it, mom and Martha loved me anyway. I apologized to mom many times for being such a bird brain during my teen years. I don’t think I ever did apologize to Martha, so I am now. Sorry, cuz, you didn’t deserve such a dud college room mate. Forgive me.
This Wednesday Martha will be going to Texas to begin treatment for breast cancer. She’s fought it twice before and each time God has seen her through. I am confident that He will this time as well. But I can’t let her go to Texas without telling her one more time how much I love her. Where ever she goes a piece of my heart goes with her. She is more than just my cousin. She is my soul sister, my confidante, my friend. She is one of the most important people in my life and I am so very proud of her and all that she stands for.
And it’s not just me that thinks she’s awesome.
Today I’m giving thanks for Martha. You are one Very Important Person, dear Martha, and so very loved! We are praying for your trip to Texas and for your health (and asking all NanaHood readers to pray too). May the good Lord bless you and keep you in His care.
Prayers for Martha.
Thanks Candy. Martha and I both appreciate it!
Thanks, Gaye! You are a good prayer warrier!
Miss you Toots!
Love you Aunt Mary Alice!
Hmmm, never been called Budda before! I remember mom saying someone told her I looked like Elvis. You are a special woman Kate. Miss you and yours. Take care of the Texas troups for us all (or as Aunt Roberta says, take care of each other) Hugs to you and yours!
Glenda, bless you for your sweet comments. You are such a good cyber friend! Teresa
I will certainly keep your cousin, Martha, in my prayers. I wish I was still living in Houston so that I could go visit and encourage her!
i was describing you two to a friend just recently…when you were 9 months old and martha was 6 months old, you would sit on the floor like budda and martha would squirm around in circles trying to get you to play with her. from the getgo she was flitting and running and flying while you stood your ground and stayed close. you two were so different….whatever martha thought popped right out of her mouth…while you made us wonder what you were thinking. you two became like the perfect couple for a marriage….one that thinks and acts quickly, one that ponders and digests and analyzes. one that fizzes with excitement, one that soothes and laughs in soft tones. both so wonderful together…both so wonderful apart. two of you….becoming the best teachers, the best mothers, the best communicators…using your talents to bring love, knowledge and joy and blessings to countless people you have touched. i am thankful for both of you, and for what both of you are to each other. love, kate
Well said, Teresa, but even tho you did such a great job, just words can’t fully describe her inner beauty, her deep faith, and the way she can completely enjoy the simplest things… She is truly one of a kind, and I’m blessed to have her has a niece–and Teresa, you certainly outgrew your little tendency to “snits”; you are equally precious to me. Thank you for being our #1 scribe and helping us to sort out our thoughts and feelings. Love you and Martha and all our wonderful nieces and nephews–that Martha and Robert Bell made some good Mamas and Daddies to pass on their example of Christian parenthood.
Wonderful story and I remember her being around your house. She always reminded me so much of Erin? on Happy Days when we were teenagers. Martha has been in my prayers. She’s lucky to have you as a cousin, someone to confide in and your wonderful moral support.
What a wonderful tribute to what I know must be a wonderful lady! Praying for Martha.
This made me cry. I’m praying for Martha and her family.