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| PICTURES OF MOM WITH HER CHILDREN! |
BY JUDY HAUGHTON-JAMES
From the early age of 13 years old I have only had one parent, my mother, Kathleen Naomi Haughton-James ( nee Lindo). She became a widow on August 14,1975, when my father Harry collapsed and died of a heart attack while performing his duties as a Councillor in the St.Mary Parish Council on the tropical island of Jamaica.
Since that fateful day I have been amazed at the strength that she has displayed when she encountered what I call the valleys on this journey called life. It is not that she did not display sadness for the loss of her husband when she was only 47 years old but managed to have the strength in holding it together and taking care of her family. It was a strength noticed not only by her family. I can never forget the words that someone said to her shortly after my father's death - "Mrs. James, there are so many beautiful things about you, but probably the most beautiful of them all, is your ability to take knocks."
The person who said this died some years ago, but little did he know that come October 16, 2008 mom would have suffered yet another blow, that of the death of her youngest child and my identical twin sister Janine. Again she showed all the signs of loss and it was more difficult then as she was now a lady in her 80s. However again she held it together and was a tower of strength for me. I keep saying to her "God certainly knew how important it was for you to have been around when Janine died." We have been through our trials together and her strength has helped to pilot me through my darkest hour.
Of utmost importance is her strong Christian faith which has never faltered despite the circumstances that she has encountered. This has been such a good example for me who in turn leaned on this faith to carry me through the most challenging period of my life. I am truly blessed to have her as my mother.
Every Mother's Day she gets a card and despite the fact that Janine is no longer around I never fail to write in it - "From your children: Richard, Sutcliffe, Judy and Janine (looking down from heaven)."
I know the day will come when my mom is no longer around but I hope I will get the chance to celebrate many more Mother's Days with her. Every day I give God thanks for giving me such a special mother.
7 comments:
wonderful family Judy! And really a GREAT mum!!! Love from Robby and special wishes for Kay.
Hi Robby,
Thank you very much for your comments. My mom sends her thanks. I am truly grateful to you and all my friends who have taken time out to read this article and send me comments on Facebook etc. I know that you are going to make this day special for your mom, Graziano's mom and Nan. Take care and I wish you all a great day over there in Italy!
This is a story about the strength and faith of your family. You have certainly been tested. It is great that you have turned your grief into something positive. By the way, I attended your dad's funeral and my handkerchief was taken to assist in propping his head up. Lata, viv.
This is a story about strength and faith. Your family has certainly been tested. It is great that you have turned your grief into something positive. By the way, my handkerchief was taken from me at your dad's funeral and used to assist in propping up his head. Lata, viv
Thanks for visiting my Blog and writing your comments Viv! I see that you knew my father and even attended his funeral. Thanks also for the help with the handkerchief!:) I wrote some tributes to him on this Blog. One of them is titled 'SPECIAL FATHER-SHORT STAY.' At this time it is one of the popular posts on the right sidebar. Speaking of my father, this Sunday, August 14, will be 36 years since his death. I will write a post on it here. Time certainly flies. Our faith and strength have certainly carried us over the years. God Bless.
Indeed a great post to honor such a strong and amazing mother of yours! I always love to read your posts! It always strike me through the heart. Looking forward to know you better.
Dropping by from the blog hop,
Kate
http://mommygrowingup.blogspot.com/
Thank you very much Katya kate. My mother has been a tower of strength. I appreciate your dropping by the Blog Hop. Take care and my best wishes to you and your family.
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