Yesterday, I told you about beautiful baby Grace. We got an unexpected call Monday night. We dropped what we were doing and rushed to the hospital. A life beginning.
Today, I want to tell you about my beautiful mother-in-law, Ann. We got an unexpected call Tuesday night. We dropped what we were doing and rushed to the hospital. A life ending.
I can’t begin to tell you everything I need to tell you about Ann. Her generosity. Her unending kindness – to everyone. Anyone. Her love for God. And her family. I can’t do that now. I just can’t.
But there is one thing that I want you to know this morning about my beautiful mother-in-law …
Ann loved needlepoint. She made each of her children and grandchildren the most exquisite needlework pieces. Christmas stockings. Ornaments. Pillows. She gifted each and everyone of us with needlepoint heirlooms. Reflections of her love, her artistry, and her time. She completed many difficult projects. Just for us.
Earlier this week I was retrieving her large, familiar needlework bag for my sister in-law-in when I realized that Ann had some unfinished projects. Inside the bag, I found skeins of gorgeous colored threads.
Rich wools. Delicate silks. All neatly arranged in small bags.
Unfinished projects.
The unfinished projects surprised me. Because Ann was always doing something. Always. But when I saw those skeins tucked neatly in her bag … I realized something.
Those unfinished needlework projects don’t matter anymore.
What matters is that Ann finished well with the people in her life.
She has loved us each wholly and honestly. Unconditionally.
And that love extended beyond family. Everyone Ann met … received her warm, generous compassion. Her exquisite kindness. Her unconditional love.
Her wisdom speaks to me this morning: Love people. Endlessly. Extravagantly. Relentless. With all of your energy, every day of your life.
Because unfinished projects are just … unfinished projects. And in a life well lived, they are beautiful just the same.
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Dear Susie,
I was so sorry to hear of Ann’s death and that I was not able to be there to celebrate her life. I remember fondly her sparkling eyes and bright smile. She was generous and dear. Thanks for sharing this tribute!
Our prayers surround you all as you grieve her loss in your midst~
I am so sorry for your loss. This post was lovely. We should all learn to live like Ann.
Susie,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
So sad for you all but overjoyed for her! Praying for you all.
Thinking of you Friend. What a legacy Ann has left for you. You will be reminded of her so often by the things that she has given to you…made for you with great love! {Hugs}
Susie – My heart and prayers are with you all. Your tribute to Mrs. Davis is remarkable. I’m taking and keeping this with me for always: “Love people. Endlessly. Extravagantly. Relentless. With all of your energy, every day of your life.” Thank you for the gift.
With love and prayers,
Jackie
Thank you so much for your heart-felt responses. Your prayers are appreciated and felt.
Dear Susie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your tribute is beautiful & I’m so glad that Rene linked us together in blog world.
I looked up yall’s church and I wish I lived closer to it! Looks like yall used to be in our area!
I lost my Mother-in-Law a couple of years ago and I feel your loss.
Much love, prayers and hugs….
Susie, what a special and beautiful tribute you’ve written about Mrs. Ann Davis. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Know we are praying for all of you during this time.
Love, Cortney & Ken
Thank you! That was beautiful and inspiring… yall are in our prayers.
I will be keeping you all in my prayers!!
So beautiful and so true. Thank you, Susie, for encouraging us in the midst of all your hurt. Praying for you and your family.
Give and take…–So sorry, Susie. Beautiful words from you.
This was beautiful, Susie. A perfect perspective after a life well-lived. Thank you, and blessings and comfort to your family.
Susie….
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Davis. Please know that we are praying for you, your family, and all of Will’s family.
I just spoke with my parent’s and they send their love and prayers as well.
Susie, your tribute to your mother in-law brought tears to my eyes. My heartfelt condolensces go out to you and all of your family. Losing a parent is so very difficult.
love,
Carol
A beautiful expression of your love for her, and a testimony of her love for all to know. Susie, my heart hurts for you and your family today. May God’s love and the love from family and friends be comforting through the pain. Praying for you.
I love you! The best part of leaving us here is that our loved ones are in the glory of God. Everyone who has gone before her was waiting for her, welcoming her into her forever home.
The comfort I cling to with my dad is knowing that he never has shortness of breath, never has to worry about whether he’ll be able to breathe, can walk and run, and is working in the woodworking shop next to Jesus himself.
Ann is needlepointing with Mary perhaps…..can you imagine what that kind of quilting bee would be like?
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, praying.
A lovely tribute to a life well lived. Such good words for today. Praying for all of you. Even though she is in Glory, praying peace and comfort for those who loved her. I love that another life came around the same time. My son was born the day after my grandmother passed away. It was a balm to our souls for someone we would miss so much.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this tribute to a life well finished.
Susie, Thank you for sharing such a personal and beautiful tribute to Ann. May her wisdom touch many and inspire us all to love others extravagantly and relentlessly. How glorious would that be!
Susie What a beautiful tribute to your mother in law. My sincerest condolences to you, Will and your family.
Praying for you and your family. Our tests will one day become our test-imonies!
Praying for your sweet family, right now.
This resonates. Beautiful thoughts and words.
So, so sorry Will and Susie
Precious, precious picture of a life well-loved. Praying for you, Will Sr and Jr, and the family…