So, What Were You Doing 30 Years Ago??

Monumental anniversaries are powerful forces for so many reasons. They not only cause us to remember and, to what extent we are able, relive the big moment that originally stole the show. They also snap a quick shot of an era of our lives. Like most any other, a tangy cocktail of an era both sweet and bitter, both beautiful and terrible. Such is life. But several times in the course of a long stay, a wonder comes along that blankets the whole tumultuous season in a smiling sun’s rays.

Right about this time of day 30 years ago, I sat in the waiting room of my OBGYN’s office with one thing on my mind: I meant to have a baby that day or else. My man worked in the oil field with BJ Hughes and they were sending him off for a month in two weeks, just when she was due. If she was on time, I was on my own. BUT, if she had a little nudging, the four of us – Keith, Amanda (our nearly-3-year-old daughter and the biggest dream-come-true of my 25 year-old life), this new little creature that had swung on my bottom ribs like monkey bars for months, and I would have 14 days together. Those were the stakes.

High indeed.

So early that morning, my big sister, Gay, came to Victoria, Texas where we’d been transferred with BJ Hughes, and together we went on a brisk little – well, as much as I hate to admit to it – jog to very deliberately see if we could get some action going. There is absolutely nothing about this approach that I’d recommend to an expectant mother no matter how great with child she is. Those were the 80’s when the pendulum had swung WAY to the left and we were advised to do any physical activity in our pregnancies that we’d been accustomed to doing at the time we conceived. That was for normal people. Not me. Most women didn’t teach high impact advanced aerobics classes. What I’m recommending is this: sit down the moment you realize you’re expecting and get up when you head to the hospital.

Because here’s what happened: I trained up a child in utero in the way she would go and when she was born, she did not depart from it. She stretched, rolled, tumbled, jumped, lunged, and high kicked so wildly from five months’ gestation to full term that I lived nonstop at my maximum target heart rate particularly when I climbed into bed at night. I sang in the choir at First Baptist Church in Victoria and, in those latter days, my blue choir robe came alive like a 3-D illustration of the raging sea in Mark 4, only not once did Jesus stand up from the boat and say, “Please be still!” Or was that “peace be still”??

It was prophetic. That child would demand the training wheels off her bicycle two days before her 3rd birthday then ride off on it like she was born to be wild.

Because she was.

Dr. Mabry took one look at me, peered over the sheet draped across my swollen tummy and said, “Is your husband in town?”

“Yes, sir! As a matter of fact he is!”

“Good, because I’m about to break this water and put you in the hospital. This child is on her way.”

I’d asked God for a boy. In fact, I did it just right. I used all the biblical terminology. I prayed in faith without doubting and summed it up confidently with, “In Jesus’ Name.” I made sure I asked before conception so we could start out with the appropriate gender and God wouldn’t have to go to any extra trouble. I persevered in asking until the circle formed perfectly on the bottom of the EPT test tube then I sat back, smiled, claimed it…and, yes, named it: Brandon Keith Moore.

At seven months along, my OB nurse, good friend, and sonogram technician, said, “Beth, I’m telling you, I think this is a girl.” I went home undeterred, sat back on the couch and said to the Lord with utter confidence, “This is not hard for you. In fact, nothing is too difficult for Thee!” (Using proper King James English is always most effective for times such as this.) “Change it,” I chirped then got very still to see if I felt anything.

Nothing.

“It’s a girl,” I told Keith when he came in from work that night.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“How do you know?”

“I just know. That’s what they told me at the doctor’s office. And I asked God to change her into a boy and He didn’t. I could tell. I could tell He didn’t, that is.”

Young, strong, tan, black-headed, right winged, and at the peak of machismo as a 26 year old man tends to be, Keith grumbled something then looked up at me and said, “Well, then, we’ll have a girl.”

Good. Good plan.

The loud speaker went off over the grounds of BJ Hughes calling Keith Moore to the telephone. The kind with the black curly cord that was actually attached to the wall. “It’s your wife,” his supervisor said. “She said she needs to talk to you right away.”

“Hello?” Sounding a little frantic.

“Hey! Wanna have a baby today?”

“Today??”

“Yes, today. My parents are on their way to stay with Amanda. I’m packing. You better come get me.”

And he did.

Mamas push their babies into the world and then just keep on pushing.

We think we know just what we want them to be and just what will make them happy and we push and push and push and push, red-faced, grimacing, and threatening our husbands who got us into this shape. We just keep doing the thing we were doing the hours and minutes before they were born.

And, thank GOD, sometimes it doesn’t work.

I suppose Melissa would be at the peak of her professional basketball career if she kept going where I was pushing. And I’d be chaplain of the team. And assistant coach. Or head coach.

But she’s always had a mind of her own.

A fine one. Like her big sister’s.

I gave my heart away 30 years ago today for the second time in my life. Totally. Withholding nothing. Complete abandon. Both times to squirming little creatures that didn’t even weigh as much as their Daddy’s career trout.

I sat across a white-linened table from both of them 2 days ago, sharing three desserts, coffee and teas and I got lost in them all over again. Lost in their laughter. In the color of their eyes. In the way they use words. And sip out of a cup. Such a flawed woman. Such an embarrassing past. So many insecurities. Secrets that make me nauseous. And yet there before me, grace welled up in two distinct heaps, like twins born three years apart. Twins who only look a smidge alike. Twins as similar as salt and pepper…as homemade peach-vanilla ice cream and pico de gallo. Twins only because they each broke into my fortress, shimmied down the side, and ran off with my heart.

We asked the waiter at the restaurant if we could sit by a window because we needed to keep an eye on my car. We were seriously certain someone would want to steal the clothes we’d just bought from Anthropologie. Yes, all three of us. Of course, the birthday girl got the most but the three Moore women have always liked to do things together. So, we all got presents.

Just like Keith, Amanda, and I did 30 years ago today.

That very day a pair of ocean green eyes opened to this beautiful and terrible earth and none of us who know her well have ever seen life the same again.

 

And, as for Keith Moore?? Well, he wouldn’t trade that baby girl for a world full of fine sons.

And, whatever happened to that professional women’s basketball star? Well, a good friend of ours gave her a fragile centuries-old piece of Torah scroll a few days ago for her birthday.

And the child commenced to read it to me.

 

 

 

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325 Responses to “So, What Were You Doing 30 Years Ago??”

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Comments:

  1. 101
    Rebecca says:

    This is a story of the way a family can and should love… The best love story I have ever heard. ๐Ÿ™‚ love you all.

  2. 102
    lynda rickey says:

    Beth, Happy birthday to your Melissa. I just love the way really great moms talk about their children, mine included. Your writing was so beautiful and moving. Love ya!

  3. 103
    Rebecca says:

    To answer were was I thirty years ago. I was six years old . I was probably running around the woods swing on vines listening to a Dolly Parton tape and day dreaming . I was six when I meant my best childhood friend ๐Ÿ™‚ now there is some stories.

  4. 104
    Casey says:

    Grace found in the form of an infant child. Just as precious 30 years ago as it was 2000 years ago.

    Hallelujah!

  5. 105
    Wilma Mansfield says:

    Why do replies awaiting confirmation (?) not show up on blog? I had two or three today and none are there now?? Anyone know?

  6. 106
    Melody Reid says:

    This post brought a huge smile to my face! I love that Torah reading birthday girl and her momma!

  7. 107
    sweet anonymous says:

    Dear Beth,
    You are the only person I know that can have me laughing so hard one minute and balling the next. You love the way a mother should, lavishly and unconditionally. As I was reading it made me think of little girls I have taken care of and pray I have loved them well. Can I tell you about one of them? Her name was Tien. She was about 5 yrs old and one night she turned on her call light and when I went into her room to see what she needed she said she needed to be changed. At this point her cancer was so advanced she was blind and paralyzed from the waist down. After I finished she stretched her little arms up and gave me a big hug and she gave me the most beautiful smile. There was such love and joy that shone from her face in spite of her suffering…I was so struck by that. Shortly after that she went into the waiting arms of Jesus. I may never have the blessing of having a child, but God has given me many precious little daughters of His that I get to love on before He takes them home. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I pray that Melissa’s 30th year is a blessed one. Hope you don’t mind me sharing. Love ya!

  8. 108
    Happy Heart says:

    sooo sweet! Jesus gives us such incredible gifts!! Happy Birthday to your beautiful girl! Enjoy!

  9. 109
    christina says:

    A belated happy birthday, Melissa! It sounds like you had a wonderful celebration week. May the Lord dazzle you with His goodness in the year ahead.

  10. 110

    Ohhhh, thank you Beth for taking us on this journey!
    It’s a beautiful thing to remember…had me laughing and amening and tearing up over the life and the beauty and the joy of welcoming your’s and Keith’s second baby into the fold.

    Joy, sweet joy…thank You Jesus. ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. 111
    Diana says:

    What a beautiful tribute to your daughter. Happy Birthday Melissa!

  12. 112
    Kelly Morris says:

    Dear Beth,
    So much of what you write comes directly from your heart, overflowing with joy in the blessings of the Lord and feeling overwhelmed that He would bless you in such a way. Your blog post today, on Melissa’s birthday, was one such post.

    I recognize this feeling because I too, am often overwhelmed that the God of heaven, Creator of all yet Uncreated, could possibly bless me in such a way. Our stories are similar in that I longed for whole-ness I thought would come in the form of family, people. My whole-ness as a person came from knowing and growing in relationship with the One who made me, yet he blessed me beyond any hope I could have had by Samantha, Kendall, and Zach. As I have watched them grow and prepare to take their “next steps,” He has given me pats of approval, as if to say, “See, Beloved, with Me all things are possible,”

    I am a blessed mama, I know. I thank Him everyday for the privilege of raising these three – now young adults. As you have shared your journey and what He has taught you through motherhood, I have related to your stories as a sister and friend.

    Thank you for sharing your stories and your love for the Lord.ย 

  13. 113
    Joyce Watson says:

    Happy Birthday, Melissa!
    Beautiful, Sweet Beth_how precious your story is and your girls are just as wonderful!
    I had to laugh about the twin thing, since I have twins.
    We did everything in two’s at our house. Married my husband twice, lived in several of the same places twice, and my twin boys were born on October 2nd. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Love you all!

  14. 114
    Kim Safina says:

    Beth,

    You got the girls and I got the boys!!!

    We are Blessed Beyond Measure! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Melis, HAPPY “30th” BIRTHDAY ~ MAY IT BE FILLED WITH ALL YOU LOVE AND TREASURE!!!

    ((((((((((((((( HUGS )))))))))))))))))))
    Kim

  15. 115
    Peg Suveg says:

    Oh Beth, what a wonderful, beautiful post. It touched my heart when you spoke of sitting across from your two adult daughters, lost in who they are now, and your memories of them from their early years. My husband and I were blessed with two now twenty something daughters, born on the same day, five years apart. I, too, had prayed for a boy! Before our first daughter was born, I suffered an ectopic pregnancy, and I believe that little “boy” is waiting to meet us in heaven! One more reason to look upwards!! ๐Ÿ™‚ But, in between our daughters, God blessed us with a son, and our family is complete. Happy birthday, Melissa!

  16. 116
    Julie Price says:

    Dear Beth . . .

    I too am a July 20 baby . . . I came into this world six weeks early. Probably the only time in my life I was early for anything. lol

    Happy Birthday to Melissa!

  17. 117

    I love this post. I needed to read that tonite. I’ve been feeling nauseous with all day morning sickness for about the last week or so, and I really needed a reminder of how it is so all worth it!! I’m grateful to the Lord that I’m pregnant:) That picture invoked such a response in me, I teared up when I saw it! Yep, I’m definitely pregnant! Happy Birthday Melissa! How precious is that pic of you!??:)

  18. 118
    vanessa says:

    Ms. Beth, 30 yrs ago I was still in my Momma’s belly. ๐Ÿ™‚ Came out on Nov. 28, 1982.
    I so love reading your stories. You have a special girl there..Hope she had a wonderful birthday!

  19. 119
    Jacki says:

    Oh, how I love it when you write! And I can’t wait to hear you speak in my neck of the woods next weekend!!!

  20. 120
    Suzanne says:

    What a precious story! Thirty years ago I was anticipating a great adventure at Army Basic Training. I was 18 and wide-eyed, full of dreams. Good memories…

    God bless you!!!

  21. 121
    Sandra says:

    I love your phrase “twins like salt and pepper”–perfect.

    I actually took an aerobics class from a gal who was in her 7th month–back int he 80s!! That made me laugh out loud thinking back on that time.

    Thanks for sharing a teacup full of joy today Beth. I smiled all the way through!

  22. 122
    Janice says:

    And of course you had earrings on n the picture

  23. 123
    Jillianrose says:

    What fun to hear about you and the beginnings of your family. Happy Birthday to Melissa. Oh how I remember those days of pregnancy. Myself, I climbed thru a window.First one leg, me, then the other leg. 4 hours later I was on my way to have the first of 3 sons. God is Good. Bless you Beth, and yours.

  24. 124
    Dionna says:

    A mother’s love. Each one of us has our own story yet equally powerful and gripping. I love my two girls with everything I breathe – just as I know you do.

    And I love the picture.

  25. 125
    Mary says:

    What a beautiful story. Your girls are blessed to have you as their mom as well!

    What caught my eye is how beautiful you looked in the picture after birth!!

  26. 126
    Lisa says:

    Beth,
    I can SO relate to this post! I am the mother of four amazing young women, who each stole my heart with one look in their newborn eyes. Actually, I think I fell in love with them the moment I knew of their existence, long before I held them in my arms. The moments I experience the purest, most indescribable joy are the ones I spend in their company — laughing, listening, sometimes crying, but mostly…..laughing. They are the crowning jewels of my life, and — apart from my salvation — four of God’s greatest gifts! (And, yes, their Daddy wouldn’t trade them for a million boys!) Now I am a Nana, and that baby girl OWNS ME!!:)

    Having “recycled” myself at the age of 51, I’m beginning a new career as a surgical technologist — and I’ve chosen to work in Labor & Delivery, because being around mommies in labor brings back memories of the four happiest days of my life! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thirty years ago today, I was planning my wedding. ๐Ÿ™‚ We’ll be married 30 years on New Year’s Day.

    Happy birthday, beautiful Melissa! Your mama is so proud of you, and understandably so!

  27. 127
    Cheryl says:

    Happy birthday Melissa ! Many blessings

  28. 128
    Amy says:

    **SNIFF** Truly, children are a gift from the Lord, no matter how old they get! (OK, maybe sometimes we’d like to return them, but other than that, PRECIOUS GIFTS!!) So HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAY’S, Melissa!! And ohhh how I’d love just to LOOK at that centuries-old Torah Scroll….pictures possibly, please? Or even better: video of you reading from it. WOW.

    p.s. LOVE that Mama has her EARRINGS & MASCARA on in L&D!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  29. 129
    Sharon says:

    Happy birthday to Melissa! She is the one person on the face of the earth (other than her sweet Mama) who makes me feel like I am not a freak for wanting to be so academic. Hebrew and Greek make my heart sing. And, seriously, use her every time you write a Bible study – I just finished James and wanted MORE indepth. MORE I tell you! lol

  30. 130
    Twila Baker says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa!

    Thirty years ago today I was pregnant with my first born who will be 30 in December. My sweet son who is a joy as well. I did get my baby girl 10 years later and she is my very best friend too!
    Love your story about how such a remarkable woman came into this world.

  31. 131
    Valerie says:

    Oh Beth, I think that is about the sweetest thing I have ever read!! I have a baby girl (my oldest) who will be turning 30 this year as well. For years, I despaired that I would ever like this child. She put me through my paces and turned me inside out. Funny thing, now we can complete each others sentences and read each others minds, we are so alike. Poor girl. God is so good.

    Happy Birthday Melissa and Siesta Mama! Yeah, it’s Mama’s birthday too. You did all the hard work getting her here.

    Again, God is sooo good!

  32. 132
    Tina Gilliland says:

    I am bawling! Beautiful story! Happy Birthday, Melissa!

  33. 133
    Natalie McGary says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa! I pray that this is your best year yet.

  34. 134
    Debbie says:

    Miss Beth, everytime you’re fingers fly across the keys and you press post — I love you more! (or is that Moore??)

    Happy Birthday to that dynamo of yours…I have one here too…(Not the Bald Siesta — she’s a dynamo of a different kind ๐Ÿ™‚ ). When “the Bald Siesta’s” sister was born, 23 years ago, her daddy’s secretary called and said “too bad she wasn’t a boy”. We actually wanted a girl, again…so it was a bit confusing to me. So, I asked “Why?” …”Well,” she said “you have your girl so Frank would have a boy to do all those “guy things” with.” If you knew Erin, you would laugh out loud at that one — she LOVES fishing (she and her dad go on a father/daughter fishing trip most every year to all sorts of places. They just returned Tues. from the North West Territories)…she took “fishing” (can you believe it) as a class in grade 8 and was awarded Fisherman of the Year), she was a forward in Basketball and a three point shooter (the Bald Siesta was a post and loved playing but she would admit she’s not a sportsy kinda gal — although she did love playing Rugby until her bonemarrow transplant ended those days)…back to Erin — she lifts weights, runs marathons (she has run three with her dad!), mountain hikes (surprised you didn’t see her when you were in our beautiful mountains back in June).(her father comes in from those hikes, now saying, “I’m getting to be an old man” (He’s younger than you and I Miss Beth!) When she was a little gaffer she could literally climb the walls (and my oh my but there were days I was tempted to join her but settled for pulling my hair out ๐Ÿ™‚ It grew back just fine. )…Ah yes, there is no boy who could have out run, out played, out shot, out fished, out anythinged that girl. But we have the best of both worlds in her — She loves Anthropology too — and all things girly. As they say — “she’s a caution, that one”.

    Thanking God with you for these girls of ours. Bless you Beth…keep celebrating them…God did good through you for them.
    Debbie

  35. 135
    Suzy S says:

    You make me feel like you’re speaking directly to me!

    Thirty years ago today? I was committing all the sins of youth, none of which I am proud, that makes me sooo relate to your phrase: “Such a flawed woman. Such an embarrassing past. So many insecurities. Secrets that make me nauseous.” but barely 3 years later, I too, began my journey thru motherhood, having been blessed with 3 amazing children, boy-girl-boy, 27, 25 & 22, respectively. And the blessing it is to sit with my adult children and hear them speak of the ups and downs of their journey into their own walk with Jesus.

    Your willingness to share so personally, let’s me see that there is hope for those of us who made so many mistakes early in life. Now, I pray that my children will come to know the Lord as I did 30 years ago this summer!

    Your words speak to my heart, Beth, thank you for sharing your story and your family with us. I am currently standing on God’s promises that the man I’ve gone out with for two years will make a lifetime commitment to me and ask the BIG question. Will you girls stand in agreement with me?

    Blessings to all of you and thanks for the siesta-hood! SS

  36. 136
    Donna says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU MELISSA!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  37. 137
    jackie dyson says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa
    May your love and your truth always protect me.
    Psalm 40:11b
    …amazed Beth how you encourage all us women even when you are giving us a window into your daughters birth.

    …see God speaking to me…

  38. 138
    Becky says:

    I loved reading this post. You have two amazing daughters. Thirty years ago I had a boy 9 yrs and a daughter 8 yrs. The years have gone by faster than I ever thought possible. I was a young mother having both of by the age of twenty. I am sad to say that I don’t have the relationship with my daughter that you do with yours. Sometimes I think she tries to be as different as she can. I’m not even sure how or who she believes in today after being raised in church. I long to be closer to her,not quite sure how to make that happen. I can handle not having an active role in her life just want her to know there’s one God and only one and he loves her so much, even more than her mother and that’s alot! Thanks for all you share Beth, love you and your family.

  39. 139
    melanie says:

    you always make me wonderfully emotional when i read your words beth! just like you were sitting here talking to me! i have a july 26 baby boy who will be 22 next week. he is not home this summer and neither is his older brother. i miss them terribly. in fact i called my youngest today just to tell him how much i love him and to remind him that he is holy and God placed His seal on his precious head when he was saved at church camp. “I know momma,” he said. ptl!

    lpm is a joy to me that i share with everyone!

  40. 140
    Vikki Green says:

    Beth,
    You are such a sweet-hearted woman. Thank you for sharing your story with us. It touched my heart. Such love God has gifted you with! I have not had children and reading your blog makes me think I missed out! God bless you abundantly!!!! And Happy Birthday to the birthday girl, Momma and Dad! : )

  41. 141
    Ernestine S. Bonicelli says:

    Love that picture! I think I see ear rings on those ears – did they allow that in the delivery room? Or were you back in your room? Dark hair; must have been pre-streaking days. You are beautiful any way you present. Inside and out. And Melissa is mind boggling. I wonder if you had any idea how she would turn out when you were struggling to subdue her strong will and harness her exuberance.. God bless and protect this family. Beth is so precious to us, and has blessed our lives soooooo much with her presentation of Your word. Now, another generation is doing it, having benefited from her tenacious teaching of that Word to her own precious little girls. I will NEVER forgot her story of teaching these girls responsibility before they could even pronounce the word: “My ponsa Mommie, my ponsa?” How I wish I had had sense enough to do that with my two boys!!!! But God blessed and they are fine men.

  42. 142
    Sandy says:

    30 years ago I was a brand new nurse ready to take on the world and make everyone better. I considered it a calling from God since he planted that seed in my heart in junior high school. I’ve never regretted it nor the life experiences it brought me. Working side by side with the Great Physician. And still doing it today as a Patient Safety Officer. What a privelege God gave me. Happy Birthday Melissa! May your life experiences be full of His joy!

  43. 143
    Midge Edmond says:

    As usual so beautifully written I am in tears, remembering each of our 8 births! God is so good! My favorite part though is your earrings in the picture right after she was born! Woman after my own heart!!! We know there will be pictures so at least from head up we must be properly dressed!!!

  44. 144
    Amber says:

    Happy birthday, Melissa! What a sweet blog post about a sweet mama, daughter, and family. I hope and pray that my babies and I will be close like that even when they grow up!

    To answer your question, 30 years ago today, I was 2 years old and celebrating my beloved Granny’s 56th birthday. She’s 86 today and still the classiest, godliest woman I’ve ever known.

  45. 145
    Anastasia Mahairas Pothoven says:

    30 years ago while you were bringing that precious girl or yours into this world, I was a fragile 8 year old who was terrified of everything…especially the rapture, because my youth group showed us these scary movies back in the day called theif in the night and distant thunder, and the mark of the beast. I can relate to your love for your girls. I love my daughter and son with such passion and enjoy every minute of the 17 and 14 years I have been their mother. My own mother has poured into my life the way you have poured into your girls’ life and coming from a daughter…I can tell you…it is a priceless gift to give of yourself to your loved ones the way you have. I looked at the pic of you and sat here(ice pack on face from tooth extraction today) swollen, crying, and thankful that you get to see God complete what he started in you. What a gift. Happy birthday Melissa.

  46. 146
    Diana A. says:

    30 years ago I was an innocent 17 – 2yrs later a victim.

    My girlfriend was adamant when at 25 I was overdue with my first son to go riding hard over a bumpy road in a vehicle with poor shocks to get a “hard ride” and “bump out that baby” – he was 3 weeks late! So those strange ideas where still around in 1990!

    He came in God’s timing, I was to be induced on Monday and he came Sunday noon.

    Well thanks for the reminiscing…HAPPY 30TH MELISSA – may your day of delivery be more Gracious ๐Ÿ˜€

    • 146.1
      Diana A. says:

      Another note, my 2nd baby which had been confirmed during pregnacy of being the daughter I hoped for – well he came out with a handle ๐Ÿ˜€

      GOD indeed has a good sense of humor, had to give away my pink sleepers!!!

  47. 147
    Anna Scantlan says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa! Blessings to you on your special day.

  48. 148
    Caroline says:

    My favorite part is how you call them “heaps of grace” sitting in front of you. Isn’t that truly what our children are? My constant prayer is that the Lord will cover my mistakes in parenting with his grace. That must have been yours too, because your girls are amazing, and to see His grace manifested in our children in this lifetime is such a huge gift. (Mine are 2 and 5, so I have a ways to go.) …And to be able to read from the Torah!?! Betcha’ never prayed for that one! But grace and gifts ABOUND!

  49. 149
    Tiffany Mattson says:

    30 years ago, I was 8, and If I am not mistaken, this is the middle of the end of my parents marriage. We would have moved into a Trailor, in Cutten California, that is a small subsection of Eureka. We met this huge family of 4 kids mostly boys and their parents. who we lovingly call Uncle Rick and Aunt Sandy, and their brood RIcky,Michael Seanie poo and Shannon. This was were my mom would be lead back to Christ, and I would Follow shortly there after. We Attended Ridgewood Heights Baptist a small Country Church. This was the year everything Changed, I would witness my parents actually argueing, fighting, and even play tug of war with my younger sister. mostly this was when I had a hard time not having a dad living with us. and watching him love another woman and her son. Which was something we didn’t have. THis time was very confusing for me. My mom would tell me that those who have no father Jesus was Father of the Fatherless. I didn’t feel I fit in, and struggles weren’t uncommon. Beginning of the month we had money, and food but coming close to the end of the month we ate beans and corn breadat least three to 5 days a week and Being a kid who didn’t like Beans I didn’t eat alot. BUt this was the time God made up for no father by adding many others Aside from AUnt Sandy, Uncle Rick and their 4 kids, there was Aunt Judy Uncle Jim and their kids, Jane and Tom and their 2 and many others all from Church. I identified Family in a different way.

  50. 150
    Kim says:

    Such a precious memory. Happy Birthday to Melissa!

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