my mom

My mom was the greatest mom, in my eyes it seemed. I'm sure most sons say that, and for them and me it's true. I would like for you to leave today knowing a little of why I think she was great, and how she lived to make her the woman and mother we continue to love. The songs we have been singing this morning were some of her favorites. She loved singing hymns because she felt closer to God when she sang. She would hum them while she worked or drove in the car. One of my favorites was one that she sang in the car, and we'll sing it at the end today, "I'll Fly Away". If you don't know it listen to the words and you will know why it's a favorite of mom's.

Mom loved family. She loved it when we were all together, my dad, brother, sister and myself. She loved it when we all would get together after my sister got married and had a family of her own. She loved it when her and her sisters, mom and dad got together. Again, she loved to sing hymns and singing them with her sisters was always something special to her, especially when her parents could listen. She would talk about how special that was while we would drive home from Kansas. She loved seeing my dad's mom and family in Pennsylvania. Two of the sister-in-laws didn't get together for years. And a few years ago when we went to visit both sister-in-laws, dad's brothers and their children came to visit at the same time. And it seemed that canyon that was between them was bridged. My mom was so glad to see that. It had been something she prayed about for years.

My mom loved church and loves Christ Jesus. To really know and understand my mom I encourage you to seek and then know Christ as your Savior, Christ was the architect of her life. Now, it wasn't always this way, at least as my mom alluded from time to time. There was a time when my mom did not put all of herself into the faith she held so dear. She had doubts about God and I'm sure fear. For that she had some regret because she saw wasted time. Time she could have been more productive. But as long as I knew her she put Christ first, humbling herself, and seeing joy and the positives in live was how she lived!

Of course, when she would burn her purse in the oven, a whole story in itself, or the peanut butter cookies, which was more often than a purse. She would panic, "a-a-ah!" And then call for us, if we hadn't already scampered into the kitchen first, and would say, "we better eat these cookies before they get too cool." And there is nothing better than eating a warm cookie than being told to eat them all. Of course, you had to share! Mom would always share. Often, if there was not enough to go around she did without and if you said, "that's okay, you take it", she graciously and unyieldingly refused. Some times she shared involuntarily, like ice tea, candy bars (Butter Finger, her favorite), and of course POPCORN! But mom shared much more than that, she shared her faith, which was much greater. And for that I am thankful.

I would like to close with a Psalm that she had marked in one of her bibles. It seems to describe how mom tried to live. Psalm 119:30-33 "30 I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Thine ordinances before me. 31 I cleave to Thy testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! 32 I shall run the way of Thy commandments, For Thou wilt enlarge my heart. 33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, And I shall observe it to the end." New American standard. 1978. The Ryrie study Bible.

Pat was an amazing person. Having worked with her since the 1980’s, I am able to say she truly embodied creativity. An outstanding storyteller, she could draw in audiences of children and adults, until we were all hanging on her words. Her knowledge of Children’s Literature allowed her to develop creative programs for children at all levels and the programs included unique crafts, songs, and dramatic presentations, as well as the printed book material. No challenge seemed to daunt her, and together we provided Garland’s children with year-round literary stimulation.

At first glance, Pat seemed shy and retiring, in short, a typical librarian. This however did not do justice to her open mind and flair for the dramatic. We could always count on Pat to come up with the sparkle and pizzazz for a program.

Although she retired just a short time ago, she will remain in my memory for years to come…and I suspect in the memories of thousands of children who grew up in Garland. I admired her enormously.
We will all miss her.

Liza Arredondo