February 24th 2016
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. – Psalm 23
Greatest Mom in the World
Putting my thoughts about my mother in words is something I have always wanted to do. It has been harder than I thought. “Greatest Mom in the World” is a title, many mothers can hold but for me I choose Dorothy Hess. A few words that describe her include loving, fair, giving, strong and even, afraid of water.
There was never a doubt she loved us. It was seen through her actions and nurturing. Then grandchildren came and her love of babies was no secret. Mom always wanted to go to Geisinger just to hold babies. All her grandchildren were treated fairly. Birthday, Christmas, and graduation gifts were always equal. That was very important to Mom.
Mom gave her time and talents freely. She was always baking, her favorite hobby, and she was always giving it away. When I way young I liked pie better than cake. For my birthday Mom would make me coconut custard pie, complete with dots of icing to hold the candles. Colleen, my sister, always had Boston cream pie. Our mother made them every year for us until she passed. Mom helped me every chance she could. If I wasn’t asking her for help she was asking what she could do. Together we baked, froze corn, and made candy, talking the entire time we worked.
All our lives she told us how much she was afraid of water. When our parents went to Hawaii she was scared to fly over the ocean. Mom always wore a life preserver when fishing in a boat. On a trip to visit our daughter, Denise, my parents had the chance to ride a jet boat down the Rogue River. This is rather thrilling water ride complete with circle spins. We all knew our Dad would love it, but never Mom. When Denise asked, both my parents said, “Yes”! It turned out to be the highlight of her stay. Who would have ever guessed that?
And lastly there was Mom’s strength. In December of 2014 Mom had intense pain. An ultrasound showed cancer of the pancreas. Surgery was not an option. All that could be done was make her as comfortable as possible. For the next 3 ½ months she never complained once. She was so strong. And Mom’s strength became our strength. Mom knew she was on her way to be in the arms of Jesus and see her granddaughter Amy.
I miss my Mom so much… but she will always be in my heart. And someday, I too will be in the arms of Jesus with her and my angel, Amy.
– Joyce Hack
