My Hero

 I'm pretty sure that if the Bible was being written today, the New Testament books would look like this; Matthew, Mark, Luke, John & Mamaw...

Mamaw, AKA Mary England, is John's mom's mom.  She is the most amazing woman I have ever known in my life.  Since the Bible is a guide book for how we are supposed to live our lives, I think the book of Mamaw ;) would have to be included.  It could have been written about many different themes to teach us a multitude of lessons...  Un-moveable faith, Compassion, Intercession, Grace, Mercy, Hearing the voice of God and the list could go on and on...  I'm telling you this woman is the picture I see the moment I begin to imagine what I want to be someday.

She is a small, soft spoken lady, who by site you would think is weak and timid...  Nothing could be further from the truth about her.  She will stay awake all night to pray one of her kids through a tough time and she doesn't take no for an answer.  I imagine God smiles a huge smile every time she calls His name.  She is one of the toughest, strongest and most steadfast people in this world.  I know, as a family we are all convinced that our lives have been shaped, spared and enriched by her prayers.  It's almost to the point that it is intimidating to imagine a time on this Earth without her covering.  She is incredibly precious to me and all those who know her.

I'm not naive enough to believe that she has no flaws, but I have NO idea what they might be. I have been a part of this family for over 17 years now.  Every minute of those 17 years I have seen nothing less than beautiful and wonderful.

She has always been the most amazing cook.  She has ruined me to Chicken & Dumplings from any other source.  Hers are the best!  She saves each year to be able to buy something special at Christmas for EVERY SINGLE GREAT GRANDCHILD and in this fertile family, you are talking about more than 20 kids!  She also tries very hard to remember every child's birthday and that's the kind of thing that has always made my kids feel so special not to mention the grandchildren, in-laws, her kids and Papaw.  We are beyond blessed to have her in our lives.

Mamaw is sick right now.  It reminds me that she won't always be around.  As I write that sentence, my eyes are overflowing with tears.  I can't imagine not having her.  She will probably never know what she has meant to me, but I'm saying it now...  even though the words I know, can't do justice to express what I feel.  Mary England is my hero.