My Mother

Isabel was a Teacher. She taught me many things. These are some of them:

To be a strong and confident woman.
To speak my thoughts because what I have to say is important.

To be cautious but not fearful.
Most strangers are friendly and if I need help, it will come.

To laugh often.
Laughter breeds joy and eases pain.

To be frugal.
To look after what I have, and not to take more than I need.

To be humble.
Not to take my good fortune for granted because no one knows what the future holds.

That family traditions are important.
They will keep me connected to those who share my past, my present, and my future.

To sing often.
Music heightens feelings and creates memories.

To be organized and prepared.
Know what I need, find a space to store it and make sure it gets put away.

To lead by example.
The people I am trying to teach will spend more time watching than listening.

To welcome each day with renewed hope.
I can't control the past and I can't predict the future, but today I have choices.

To trust in a power higher than myself.
It feels safe knowing there is something beyond.

To be self sufficient.
To cook, to clean, to garden, to preserve, to craft, to plan, to paint and to work hard.

That hens don't have teeth.
When I was 8, Isabel signed my autograph book with a saying, "Yours till hens have teeth".  Isabel is my mother.  Although it has been a number of years since cancer took her life, she is true to her word and is still 'mine'. 

When I need her I hear her voice
When I laugh I hear her laugh
When I bake I smell her food
When I do something worthwhile, I feel her pride

It is with joy in my heart that I create in the name of Isabel Designs

c2008 Susan Billard All rights reserved