Walk With Me

Thsnkful for love

Walk With Me

I remember walking with my mother, Betty Catherine (Wise) Case, through our beautiful snow clad neighborhood one night back in the early 70s. I couldn’t’ of been any older than fifteen- With the Street lights in the area where my family lived catching and revealing every big snowflake’s graceful descent. I was still in early high school or late junior high.  Mother has always tried to give some time to us, her five children’s lives as best she could. Sauntering with ease we crunched along through the snow feeling the softness under our boots. She remembered and spoke of her childhood and youth in northern Minnesota.  What a privileged gift these times together. Still the gift goes on one step at a time. She is still my mother whom walks along as best she can and sometimes I am allowed a place by her side.

Colors of laughter, conversations- layers of memories sometimes spill forth. More gifts for her sake she shares. Many as we drive down the road weekly when I come to pick her up in my car. She needs the exercise and I swim a few laps at the local aquatic center in Woodburn.  With shopping afterward for yarn, flannel, groceries, and an occasional prescription filled for my Dad. By the time we have lunch and make unexpected extra stops it seems amazing that we get back in time for mom to make her and Dad’s supper. But, for both her and me it is so good to get out and have a change of pace.

 If one were to ask my mom what she remembers as the greatest gift of her young life growing up it would be her one and only sibling, Beatrice Carol- Carol for short- born on Christmas day.  Now the hole in my mom’s heart is sad and happy at the same time. She has even called me Carol when at times speaking of her.

Mother and Aunt Carol grew up with great beauty in their lives, particularly the ability to sing. All throughout their schooling and church they sang in large and small choirs, choral groups and different churches all over the area where they grew up.  My mother told me recently that she sang the song, 'My God and I', for her school’s graduation ceremony back in 1951. She also remembered one of the boys she knew labeling her as, “the girl with the golden tonsils.'  A couple years back when going back to Minnesota for a family reunion I was able to meet my mother’s choir director and instructor who was in a nursing home. We both knew that she was not expected to live much longer being about one hundred years old, so being able to see her was so special. The lady knew who my mom was and it was very emotional. Mother and I sang her a song with many tears all around.

More gifts and colors have come forward from the past into the future within my mother’s life. Fabric laid out to sew clothes for her children when we were all home and growing up has processed into the present. Now my sister Lori and I meet in Salem at Joann’s fabrics when mom and I come into town where my sister lives. Mom needs a little help to pick out a good amount of baby flannel for baby blankets, burp clothes and the like. This is part of her personal mission now for the last many years. She donates the fruit of her hands to a pregnancy center, hospital, and to various other needs in the community.

If that were not enough she works on her Samaritan’s Purse Christmas shoe boxes every year and donates about fifteen all packed with goodies to sweet children in need to ring in the holidays. Any place we visit together is also opportunity to give away one of her gorgeous crocheted hats. Why not spread the joy? The homeless have been given McDonalds gift cards and lovely crocheted hats from my mum’s own hand.

Upon arrival back at the ranch we pick up the mail right at the entry corner of my folks drive. Then the chicken house we see at the end and stop. So much of the time a chicken or two is cruising about the coop and habitat. I have gotten good at luring them through the door by throwing corn out into a raised gravel spot. The next step is to gather the eggs; (between nine and fourteen,) bring them in and clean them up. This blessed gal loves the gift of giving. Yes, Mom does so much and we, her five grown kids know it.

 She and daddy need help but that’s what we’re here for. The end of this month we five will be having a yard and garden clean up party out at their place. My pop takes such satisfaction in his farm, gardens, and nursery being in tip top shape. So while it is today let’s love those our Holy God gives us. How do we measure value? It is found as a kernel within the opportunities we have to bless.

Kathy Van Kurin

March, 2019

Author's Note

This may be lacking in information but it was done sort of quickly. Or maybe it is just right..

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

Lovely intimate details and snapshots of joy filled occasions in the light of bonding between daughter and mom. I can tell you and your siblings chrish your mom and think about her goodness towards you all and strangers. The gift that keeps giving is a wonderful testemant to her generosity and love for God.
What a blessing to have good, caring and loving parents. Brought the poet in you...

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Sami Khalill,
Your writing is a true example of details, for things which come from your pen are an artistic balance. I must admit that writing for me is simply more meaningful because of folks like yourself. You may not know it but just the fact of your own love of sharing and giving helps others. I hope we all help each other in this big old world. Thanks and thanks Sami.
Bless your heart and life.
Kathy

[Sami Khalil]

All true and wonderful dear. You are most welcome.

[Paul Bell]

Great story, Kathy.
Your mum seems like a bit of a wizard with the amount she does.
Take it, you're following in her footsteps.
Did aunty Carol die young.
Hope life is treating you well.
Rock on mum.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Yes, mom is a hard working soul. Her sister passed before my Grandma did out in Minnesota. It hurt my Grandma a lot. Hope life is treating you well too. Hot here but we are expecting the temps to go into high seventies and low eighties.
I enjoyed your kind input.
Blessings to you.
Kathy

[Paul Bell]

Hot rain where I am. But not complaining. lol

[Kent Rawski]

Its blessed with love, sharing and making memories of times you wont have any other way one day, I call that a life lived right. God bless your endeavours, Kent

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Kent,
Yes, to have love within ourselves and to have others release some to us and we to them is very good. My mother is a loving and kind lady. God is our greatest example of love and we can try to be loving too.
Thanks so much for your thoughts.
Kathy

[Ted Kniffen]

A lovely description of a good family dynamic. You mentioned things that my wife and I have had fun with over the years...Joann's for fabric (she has a sewing business...I just push the cart).
Shoe boxes at Christmas for kids you'll never know...and yet are so fulfilling.
Spending time with your mother, as my wife spends time with our daughter & granddaughters...
Seeing my mother...94 & suffering from dementia & pleased when she recognizes me.

At any rate, a good story.
Have a blessed Easter Kathy

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Your review is a little story of beauty in itself. Your wife sounds like a creative and hard working person. Love does things like go along and push the cart. Life is good and it hold hope..children and daughters and mamas and papas. Thank you Ted for sharing some special details from your own family. That was really nice.
Blessings,
Kathy

[barleygirl]

This is truly a gift for all of us! I love this! It reminds me of the story I wrote not too long about all my "sewing" memories regarding my mom. And your story also reminded me of another story I want to write about my mom, how we often walked our dogs together in different places & these walks meant so much. Your sharing here jogged my memories about so many simple pleasures I'd completely forgotten. But most of all, your own memories are too precious & thoughtful to describe! I'm so inspired by your mom, doing good instead of complaining like so many old people do, feeling neglected or whatever. This is a great example of growing old with grace, as well as how to stay connected as a family. All these lessons are lacking from my family, so I really appreciate hearing about yours. Great details! Honest, simple, poetic delivery (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Margie,
Your outlook is what is precious..finding good even if you have to look under the surface. Much of life is like that. I cannot wait to read your own story. We find that we all have more in common than we may think. No family is perfect but it is about trying to make sense of stuff....we try...
Sewing, walking with each other, with doggies, gosh but these are great simple rare things that just seem to shine. Your above review is almost like an intro into a writing for your own mother and memories.
Love your thoughtful heart.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

The voice of this story really held my attention, Kathy Van Kurin. I kept wondering if this was true or fiction. It gave new meaning to the phrase "the story of my life". Wonderfully explained and expressed! You had a lot of feeling and emotion in this write, as well as comedy, “the girl with the golden tonsils.' This was a pleasure to read. Tyfs!!!

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Thanks, for reading and thinking as you have done so beautifully here. Thanks for your message. I appreciate you reminding me to check. Yes the lady in this story is actually my mother. she has led a full life, raised five children and does her best to take care of my dad. They are both still very hard workers and I know that I will never be as who they are. Silly thing to say..we are all different of course. It's sweet of you to review as you have above and I am privileged with your honest and thought provoking input. I love the way you think. It also shows in your creative writing. Yes I have learned a little more just recently about my mama's youth. I suppose I could write more about both of my folks.
Thank you Dani
Did I get that right?
Blessings,
Kathy

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

You're most welcome. I'm sure you could write much more about your mom, she does seem like a wonderful woman. Idk who Dani is though lol.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Oh boy I am really confused...well thanks for reading and being you.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

This is such a beautiful story and glimpse into your faith-filled family life Kathy. You honor your mother with your personal, loving tribute to her. Your sweet descriptions of scenes and events from your and your siblings’ childhood touched my heart. The warmth and faith and charity your mother infused in you throughout your life is radiantly evident. Yes, I think this story “is just right”. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

It is so nice to receive a warm review such as yours Annette. We need to look at the good we can find. What gifts are available? We can focus on them. Thanks for reminding this soul of God's goodness. Your heart is a gift to others here.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Thank you for your kindness Kathy.

[alanwgraham]

This is a loving and lovely portrayal of your relationship with your mum and family, Kathy. All the detail brings it to life and I like how you have made it kind of timeless. Your story conveys what really makes America great. A million miles away from that unmentionable persons idea. You do a great job of spreading and sharing your positive outlook with us.
All the best.
Alan

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Alan,
All anyone of us have is ourselves to share. Life is beautiful if given away. I can say it but here's hoping it is becoming more and more real with time. I truly appreciate and will vulnerably admit that so many here in this forum are amazingly talented and gifted in their craft...you included. It means a lot when people give input and helpful insights. Maybe with time I will become more at ease as writing comes from me tool Thanks dear writing friend and Bless your family as well.
Kathy

[Cherrie Palmer]

I named a collection of poems Walk With Me. So your title pulled me in but Kathy your story filled so much more than time. Truly beautiful.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Thanks Cherrie,
I think we need some sweetness and light sometimes. sometimes it is right under our noses. Thanks so much for you lovely and kind words. It i so nice to find that we are all looking for inspiration and good.
Thanks again,
Kathy

[wordman]

sweet memories,only in a child's eyes,and helping with them today is a wonderful thing,love

[Kathy Van Kurin]

so nice to hear from you wordman as always. Bless you for blessing. Yes little ones are so terrific!
Kathy

[wordman]

you`re welcome

[Sami Khalil]

"She remembered and spoke of her childhood and youth in northern Minnesota. What a privileged gift these times together. Still the gift goes on one step at a time."

[Kathy Van Kurin]

We look for the glory and I love it when others see it too. Love your way of thinking Sami.

[Sami Khalil]

So true....