The Lord giveth. The Lord taketh. Blessed be the Lord.

I don’t understand the taketh. I intellectually know, but my heart doesn’t. My heart wants Mildred here on Earth with me, holding my hand as needed.

The giving?  Mildred gave us the gift of love. I had known Mildred for more than a quarter of a century.  I knew her, loved her, learned from her and shared with her. Such a giving from the Lord.

Memories of Mildred will comfort me this year; such as learning, ’bloom where you are planted’. In Oklahoma City, she worked weeks building a large rose garden off the patio of their home. She hauled timber for retaining walls, good soil for the new plants and then, finally, was able to add lovely rose bushes. OKC then experienced a torrential rain. Dry creeks flooded, and ultimately, her garden destroyed. I wanted to cry for Mildred. Maybe she had tears of frustration, yet she salvaged what she could. She moved the few surviving roses and pieces of the retaining wall to another side of the house and began again. Perseverance.

Mildred taught me of okra; it just needs to be cooked correctly. Bring water to a boil, drop in small okra, and cook until it changes color. Then eat it with salt, pepper and butter.  Thanks, Mildred! Okra does not need to be slimy, just cooked correctly. Now, I have grown okra and realized what beautiful blooms it has, as well as what good eating it can be.  Mildred understood the importance of not over doing. Timing.

Mildred demonstrated love and concern for her country, not with words, but with grass level work. She understood what happens politically in rural America ripples through the nation. Mildred campaigned on the local level, wrote letters to state and national officials, and walked her talk. All the hours she so diligently worked would equal years. She now has a ringside seat for all the political maneuverings and intrigue of the upcoming national election. You go, Girl! From her, I have learned to write letters to officials expressing my ideas with clarity and concern. Accountability.

Mildred never met a plant she didn’t love, and she shared that love with me. She moved my plants from state to state, never losing one. We had plans to divide iris this spring as she had only one color, a color I didn’t have. Appropriately, I had several combinations of yellow to add to her collection. Delight.

The givings are too many to list; tears interfere with writing. I now see Mildred with a basket of givings, mixed in with flowers and okra with Tippy, Sandy, and other pets at her feet. Mildred taught much, gave much and loved generously. Loyalty.

I hold her many givings in my basket so I can touch her hands throughout the rest of my life on Earth, and into the hereafter. Love.

Mildred, in her 80s, never wished to outlive her healthy, active days.  We had a wonderful time on a Thursday, she went to the hospital Sunday afternoon, and crossed over Tuesday about 2 AM.  Such a lady.

We were so blessed to have Mildred in our lives. May we use those blessings to comfort, live and be at peace.

In tears, and with love to my heart family,

Your Cary

Dr J’s Comments

I can tell you really cared about Mildred…the best gift she could have received. You brought her to life in your writing. Your basket of giving metaphor was visual and touching. I know others will enjoy your story too.