Mama Ina Mae was quick to observe and correct not just what we said, but how we said it. Mama Ina Mae didn't miss much, much to my, April, and Matthew's chagrin at times. She had high standards of how we used our hands and our words, and we had better tow the line. I am so grateful for her example.
Mama Ina Mae was an encourager with nearly every breath. Her patience was great and her fuse was long. She sought and taught to be like Jesus. Her hands were never idle. Her pantry always had food to share. You were likely to get a life lesson or an education on something if you sat at her table very long. No one sat for an hour with Mama without some kind of encouragement.
Mama was a Barnabas (an encourager) in the lives of many. Her purpose of heart was to follow Jesus in word and in deed... and to love out loud.
"When he (Barnabas) came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord." -Acts 11:23
My, Cousin Molly, shared something for her funeral that has become quite dear to me.
My mom Kathryn is #7 of the siblings. Since my mom is 10 years younger than Ina, my brother's and I were Ina Mae's "practice" grandchildren. Since my mom and dad both worked, Aunt Ina was always the "backup" person listed on all of our school forms. If we were ever sick at school, it was Aunt Ina who would come pick us up from school and bring us back to her house until mom or dad were able to pick us up.
It's also where Mom would take us if we woke up sick. Aunt Ina was so loving and caring with us. She made sure we had plenty to eat and drink. She made sure we stayed hydrated. I remember watching soap-operas with her on her little tv in the kitchen.
I took piano lessons from her for a few years. Because of this, I can still proudly play "Yankee doodle".
Her late daughter, April, was like the sister I never had. I remember spending some of my summer days over there. She would always ask us what kind of fun adventures we had planned and to make sure whatever it was that we would promise to be safe and to have fun. We spent many hours playing "hide and seek" outside as there were so many places to hide. Aunt Ina would often remind us to "stay out of trouble and away from the farm equipment."
I remember spending lots of time over Christmas break at her house making Christmas goodies for the families Christmas party. We always had to stop to make sure we were cleaned up in time to serve the men lunch. A farmer's wife's work is never done. She would always let me help in the kitchen and I loved every minute of it. Then we would clean up and get back to baking.
My fondest memory of Aunt Ina was with regard to her “Love spice”. She sprinkled it on EVERYTHING whether it was a sweet or savory dish. Everything always tasted better when she sprinkled it on. We could always tell if she "forgot" and would bring our plate back and ask for some spice. I remember asking her what kind of spice it was. She responded with "oh it's a secret". It wasn't until I was an adult that realized that the spices were actually nothing at all. The jar was and always had been empty. It was her "love" that made everything better, and that is the one thing I will miss the most. Her love.
She is a tough act to follow. For as many days as the good Lord grants me breath, I will strive to be more like her. She is a tough act to follow.
Today, I am grateful for those with a "purpose of heart."
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