Her children rise up and call her blessed … (Proverbs 31:28)

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An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:10-31)

Margaret (Maggie) Bivens

There are so many things I remember about Mamma, but above all I remember how selfless she was. She raised four children. She frequently worked outside the home to help make ends meet. She too often did without the things she needed so that her children could have the things they wanted. She didn’t have the conveniences we enjoy today; I remember her excitement when she got a wringer type washing machine because that meant she no longer had to make her weekly trek to the laundromat. She was not only content with what she had, she was thankful. And in all this, she never complained – at least not for herself. Everyone who knew her loved her.  Age combined with wear and tear took a toll on her body, Alzheimer’s took her mind, but nothing could take away the love she had for her family. Mamma went home to be with the Lord going on 10 years now. I miss her every day.

~Sandra