Mom Found So Many Ways

 After Grammie Ruth was widowed at the age of thirty-four, one of the most difficult challenges she had was "how can I take care of these four children"? And while the thought of doing it all alone was devastating, the fact of being responsible for us helped her to keep going. She had to survive her grief and overcome the obstacles for the sake of her children.  She always wanted to give us as many advantages as she could with her limited income and some health problems that she had battled ever since I was born. She was prone to flare ups of phlebitis in her leg veins.

One of the things she did with and for us was to take her children to our denomination's summer camp and volunteer her time there. She was well versed in the Bible and a very good teacher of children so it was a natural thing for her to teach classes and direct some of the weeks of Christian camp for children and teenagers.

The first time I was ever on this campground was years before we had a camp. I remember walking through the tall grass on this plot situated along the banks of the St John River near Hartland, New Brunswick and within sight of the "longest covered bridge in the world" which spanned the river for a mile from bank to bank. I was there with my Dad and some other people who were discussing this property and wanting to have it for a conference grounds.

The white tabernacle pictured above was built, I think, around 1950. People from the various Primitive Baptist Churches would gather there for services on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer and for quarterly meetings sometimes. We loved it there and loved the people that we met.

The little red cottage at the right of this picture was moved to the river bank from its traditional spot at the edge of the woods away from the river. It was built for Dr. W. T. Watson and his wife, who traveled to the grounds for a week of Bible Conference for a number of summers from Trinity College in Clearwater, Florida. We loved Dr. Watson, his preaching, and his demure, little wife.

During summer camps, "Dr. Watson's Cottage" doubled as the Camp Director's Cottage and was sometimes used for other special guests at the grounds. Mom spent some weeks for quite a few years in this pleasant little cottage with a tiny front porch. I can say without reservation that summer camp was the highlight of my life, especially through my teen years. This was where my spirit was renewed and where I found some of the courage I needed for life as the oldest child in our single parent home. 

Because of her years of service at the camp, Mom is beloved by generations of people who have frequented the conference meetings and the camps.

In August of 2010 Mom joined a group of women for a weekend retreat at the campgrounds. Aunt Carla helped plan and direct the retreat. I was the speaker for two sessions and Aunt Barbara did a marvelous presentation of her Biblical art on silk. We had a time of blessing with old friends and new, but one of the highlights was when Mom gave the devotional on Friday evening.

At 88, Mom is still articulate and inspiring. Her teaching is clear and relevant and appreciated by everyone who hears her. People seek her advice -- family, friends, and even pastors. She has experienced so much in life and God has given her a great deal of discernment and wisdom.

She can no longer take brisk walks throughout the grounds because she moves slowly and with a great deal of effort. She generally uses a walker. But we took her from place to place in a wheel chair on the campgrounds and she loved every minute of it. It was very obvious that she was in her element. . . back where she belongs!

Besides our wonderful times at the Bible Camp, we also had our little cottage on Cary Lake -- not far from home, but far enough away to just relax and enjoy being a family. We also took music lessons, had opportunities to fish, participated in youth activities, and did our part working at harvest time.

One of the nicest things that happened to her children came when she married Grampie Jim. He was a tremendous husband and companion for Mom, loved and cherished her children, and was a beloved grandfather to your parents. 

Through her faithfulness to the Lord and her commitment to do the best she could for us, Mom has always given us gifts that are beyond price.  God is great, He is good, He loves us unconditionally, and He blesses us beyond what we could ever "ask or think". I am so GLAD God gave ME a Christian home.