Mimi sitting on the front porch of the Drummond House, her childhood home in Mt. Vernon, Texas.
The following is an excerpt from one of my maternal grandmother’s many journals. Though it was written in May 1994, it wasn’t found until her death fifteen years later; and a printed version now hangs on the walls of many of my relatives’ homes, mine included. My grandmother was completely blind for the last twenty years of her life, but lived alone in the same house in East Texas where my mother was raised for the majority of that time. The lack of sight never stopped her…from anything.
Here Mimi speaks of her love of Spring time. On this first day of Spring, I want to encourage us all to look around at what the Lord has created and let the blessing of simplicity resonate. Forget cars and houses and vacations and taxes and clothes and stuff for a few minutes and walk outside, wherever you are. Whether you hear birds or rain, feel sunshine or a chilly breeze, know that all these things are proof of our Creator’s existence. Close your eyes and experience the joy that my Mimi felt with this morning ritual…and don’t forget a cup of hot coffee.
What a wonderful time of the year Spring is. True, we have lots of rain and some cool weather, but it is still my favorite time of the year. It is so good to sit on the back steps at 6:30 AM with a cup of hot coffee and a cool breeze brushing my face. The baby birds are talking to their mother and the mothers are speaking in such a soothing voice; and off in the distance a mourning dove calls its mate, begging him to come home. He answers but doesn’t come, for she keeps calling. Poor bird! Some walkers pass by and call to me and about that time the wind blows the scent of the honeysuckle and magnolia my way. Though I cannot see God’s beautiful world, I have felt it, heard it, and smelled it. I am blessed and at complete peace with myself. Soon I shall join my Heavenly Father and loved ones, but I believe my spirit will often float around this backyard and think how good it was to sit here with a cup of coffee and praise The Lord.
-Martha Lois Drummond Perkins
Brian and me having dinner with Mimi in the Fall of 2008
three generations: Sadie, Mimi and me
That is my precious Mother. I think about her everyday of my life, I talk to her when I am stressed, “Mama, tell me what to do!” and I miss her so much. She was such a strong influence in my life for all the right reasons. She taught me taught me about God and I am blessed to have had her. I cant wait to see you again, Mimi!
I see where you get it from …. This was such a sweet story.
Thank you for sharing and encouraging. I will take a moment and thank
Our Lord for this beautiful world he has blessed us with!
Lauren and Sara, I loved reading about your sweet Mimi! She was a remarkable lady, and Mimi. Hearing about her was a wonderful way to welcome Spring. It is such a blessing to have someone so special in your lives, and I know you will carry her memories in your heart forever. You and your mom love so many of the things she loved, what a special gift she passed on to you!
How sweet and truthful. We should all take a moment every now and then to appreciate and love all that surrounds us – all of God’s greatness.
She was such a precious lady! Thank you for sharing!
Loved this. Exactly what I needed to read today. Love your Mimi and you!
And we love you, too!
I fell in love with Mimi!