It didn’t take long for those who met my mother to realize that there was something uniquely endearing about her. Her stature was the obvious thing people noticed first. At 4 ft. 11, she was tiny but also disarmingly warm. She was always smiling! She smiled in traffic, at the grocery store, to anyone she made eye contact with, sometimes just to herself. She was eager to learn about those she met. When she asked how you were, you knew it wasn’t just a greeting, but that she really meant it.
Kids loved her! As a music teacher, she impacted thousands of children. I grew used to having someone I’d never even seen before approach my mom and tell her how positively she had impacted their or their children’s lives. She was a truly selfless servant to others.
Mom loved music, and had a tremendous gift for it. She felt uncomfortable with attention, preferring to be behind the piano accompanying others. She sang often and it was infectious in our household. I loved singing with her. Growing up, my sisters and I would stand around her at the piano singing hymns or praise and worship songs, singing while she played and harmonized. She could blend with anyone, and was as giving a singer as she was a human being.
She was a loving wife and grandaughter, sister and cousin, daughter and friend, and a truly outstanding mother.
I feel humbled and gracious that I got to be this beautiful, amazing person’s son. This kind, gentle, patient woman, who has profoundly impacted so many lives, is my mother. Knowing her was a privilege. Whether a co-teacher, a student, or a stranger at the gas station, my mom treated you like a friend, as she was to so many. She liked people who were hard to like, loved her family when we hard to love, and, for a woman as small as she was, has left a deep impression on those who were blessed to get to know her.
Trying to imagine life without you feels impossible right now, but there is a thought that comforts me when the feeling gets overwhelming. I picture you in Heaven, in front of a group of children, singing songs and smiling.
I love you more than words can express and it’s good to know that you’re home safe-Jake
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6 comments:
I like that image Jake, thanks.
Jerry
Jake,
What a beautiful letter and your words so wonderfully capture your mother's spirit.
It was a gift to have been able to share your mother's love of music for so many years at Sorensen. They are ones I have always held dear.
Paula Conley
Jake, you and I have never even met but I've followed this blog from the beginning and am in the "cousin" category. I had not seen or talked to your mother in 30+ years (except thru this blog), but have been so impressed with the support and effect Julie had on everyone she touched, the love & support of family & friends.
Your mother obviously passed her "gifts" of music & verse onto you. Protect & use them wisely. I agree with Jerry, I like the image, it's right. Take care, thinking of all of you as you struggle to go on without her. Debbie
Jake, I love your writing. I was so honored when she asked me to write her obituary. But the obituary you all wrote was so much better and more Julie than the one I offered Greg. I loved being her friend.
Teri
Apparently, my last comment didn't come thru...so, I'll try again...
I just wanted to say, Jake, that this is a beautiful tribute to your Mom. Thank you and all your family for sharing this journey you have all been on. I have often been touched, blessed and inspired by your words and your love for each other. Your family will continue to be in my prayers. Bonnie T.
What a beautiful family you have and a living testament to the power of love.
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