Dear Reader:

When we take time to reflect back on our lives…we come to the realization that we were able to function and live the life we were destined to live…because of the “anchors” in our  lives.

For most of growing up these “anchors” started out as our mothers or fathers…particularly when the parent was a single parent, who sacrificed  much so that we could have a better life. Later these “anchors” became special teachers, coaches, or counselors who could guide our future, based on our talents, when it was still a fuzzy dream for us.

Of all the anchors in my life…the most important one (from the perspective of  a single parent with three children) was my mother-in-law, Dee Dee.

Every time I hear this line of scripture my thoughts turn to her.

James 5:11 (ESV)
11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast… and did Dee Dee ever remain steadfast! The family anchor!

Dee Dee helped me raise my children…hands down and was always there for me…encouraging me to travel when I received scholarships to tour, study, or teach abroad. “I’ve got it…you can’t not go!”

Dee Dee always wanted to travel and after Poppy’s retirement they both  were able to do just that…for which the whole family was so thankful…after all she had been our anchor and sacrificed daily for all of us…after raising her own six children, she kept grandchildren, friends’ children so they could work or travel and accomplish their dreams.

The “anchors” in our lives…the ‘stay home/go to‘  people usually never fully realize their utmost importance to the rest of the family or friends during their lifetime.

And it isn’t until these “anchors” are gone that we, too, fully realize their importance in our own lives…they ‘centered’ our lives by loving us unconditionally and cementing stability in our busyness…

*I don’t know if Mandy was trying to kiss her boyfriend at the first Easter Egg Hunt or punch him…but Dee Dee was right there to intervene either way! 🙂

I love the photo (below) because normally Dee Dee was always remembered more for opening and shutting her refrigerator….(she always had something to eat in there for anybody who just dropped by….amazing) than sitting behind William “Refrigerator” Perry.

However… this time Dee Dee didn’t have to cook and she seems quite amused (at the Charleston Clemson Athletic Dinner) watching William “Refrigerator” or simply “Fridge” Perry chowing down on his dinner.

So until tomorrow…Let us pause from our busy lives and thank the “anchors” in our lives for centering us… Thank the ones who remained ‘steadfast, loyal, and true so we could live our lives through and through.’

And then let’s never forget the one “Anchor” who waits for us….patiently and lovingly…saying “Fear not tomorrow…I am already there.”