And Gummybear Makes Three: The trials and triumphs of raising a preemie

I have received many compliments and request for the speech I gave at my mother's funeral. So I took over the Blog to put it here.

Matt.

Remembering Mary Ann Sandlin:

Mary Ann, Wife, Mom, Mimi, sister, daughter, friend. All of these we use to describe a country girl from Thomaston, GA. Who was a strong willed, caring, tell it like it is type of woman. To know Mom was to be included in every part of her life, she was somewhat of an over-sharer. That was just how she reeled you in, stories of us and her grandchildren were the bait so that you too would share in her joy.

How do you say goodbye to someone who has been there your entire life? Someone you love, respect and want to make proud. By taking comfort in the fact that she is now in a better place and just maybe try to over-share a little yourself.

As I was thinking about what to include today the first answer came to me. A quote. A quote allows someone less eloquent to use the words of another to share what is in their heart. I wanted something that would express not only what I felt for her but what she felt for us. So instead of just a quote I found something in Isaiah Chapter 54 verse 10.

Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you.

Mom loved to interact with people both personal and professional which made her activities great. Whether it was work, family, the Lady Knights, the bowling league, being a Deacon's wife. Mom was there to support you in what you did. There have been a few truly humbling moments in my life, ones that come out of tragedy. One was when Mom was fighting cancer, and another has been now. The amount of love and support that came from every community she was apart if has been amazing. Thank you.

The second thing that came to mind is a story. The bible is full of parables and stories of joy and sadness. Jesus used parables to tell us things in a way that anybody could understand. Stories also help describe situations that are meant to reach out to our hearts and minds and sometimes can be just a bit funny. I know there are many stories that we all can share about Mom and here is one I would like to share about an early date my parents had.

At the time my dad was traveling and my mother was working two jobs, one of which was as a waitress. Near the of the week they had gone out dancing to a few different places. At the end of the night they wind up at a Waffle House and have dinner. Now because this was the end of the week dad was almost out of his expense money. He was digging in his pockets for change just to leave a tip. So mom basically calls him the cheapest SO... well you get the point....

It just showed how Mom wouldn't hold back what she thought and also showed her empathy to someone she really didn't know by wanting the waitress to have a proper tip. To be honest I am not sure which one was the glutton for punishment because they both came back for more. I am certainly glad that they did. As are many of you here today. My mother touched many lives in a profound way and she will be missed but never forgotten. To paraphrase from Jeremiah Chapter 29 “God knows the plans he has for each of us”.

Finally I would like to leave you with a poem, that Susan has shared with me, to celebrate my mother. I hope that through this you have been uplifted.

“I'm Free”
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things too I will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
I’m with God now, I’ve been set free.

The Pumpkin Patch:

A post by Abigail

A few weeks ago, Mommy, Daddy, Gigi, and I went to the Pumpkin Patch in Moreland. I wasn't so sure about it at first - there were all of these HUGE orange things everywhere! Then Mommy walked me around and introduced me to my first pumpkins! I think I like them. Apparently taking pictures at the Pumpkin Patch is a big deal for her, so I played along. Here are some pictures from our trip!

Mommy and I looking at the pumpkins: