As we prepared for Mom's memorial service in the weeks following her death, we asked our extended family to share memories of Mom/Grandma. And of course, friends and acquaintances shared their memories of Mom as well. It was really good for me to hear stories about my mom. Hearing from others who knew and loved her at different points in her life reminded me of who she really was, reminded me that Ann Peycke was not defined by the last miserable months of her life. She was so much more.
Sister Gayle wrote: She never stopped learning and trying new things. I brought mom a cook book written by a friend. It had a rye bread recipe that mom tried and proclaimed as the rye recipe she had been searching for all of her life! She was so excited to have her rye bread perfected!
Brother-in-law Rich wrote: Bill and Ann's investment in Ruth, me and our children has been an example of love, patience, courage, and generosity that revealed the depth of their understanding of servanthood and blessing which we will always draw on and treasure. Everything from Dad's showing me how to install a garage door opener (and doing nearly the whole job before I got back from work) and how to recover from spectacular water skiing face-plants to Mom's long nights helping calm a colicky baby, and her savory shrimp gumbo greeting every trip we made to Conroe. This was grace, pure and simple. Did we experience joy in their presence? Did we ever.
Martha wrote: I feel very blessed to have been her friend.
(I will have to add more to this later, because I cannot put my hands on my notes.)
As friends and family shared their thoughts and memories, and as I was reminded of who Mom really was, I started my own list of things I remembered and admired about my mom.
*Mom had mad camping skills. She made primitive camping look easy.
*Mom had an enduring delight in nature.
*Mom never quit growing and learning.
*Mom was a reader, always a reader.
*Mom loved new music and embraced praise songs in church. She said it was practice for heaven.
*Mom made real food.
*Mom took on Feingold to make real food my family could eat.
*Mom enjoyed travel.
*Mom had mad sewing and upholstery skills.
*Mom faithfully read aloud to her children.
She was an amazing lady.
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I loved reading this, Gwen. It's nice to learn about her before hospice. I hope you will add more when you get a chance.
ReplyDeleteas fairly new believers, I remember Bill Peycke asking for prayer about a job situation & I thought "wow, the elder guy wants prayer for his job situation." Then, Ann, from early on as a children's leader....over & over observing, listening, watching, learning always learning. one of the most amazing women I have ever met. I am reading the book she gave us at her funeral & think it may be one of the deepest things I have read on the subject.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing people; what an amazing heritage!
I loved reading about your mom and wish I could have met her!! Love you, friend!! XOXO
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