I think her wish has come true
When our mother was in her late 30's she met an older woman who had beautiful white hair and a radiant smile.
"I want to look like that when I am old", mother told our Grandma Nesmith.
"Then you need to start now", Grandma replied.
I think mother was probably a little offended at first. Whatever did Grandma mean?
The answer was simple.
"Start being that woman today".
To us (and I think most likely to Grandma), mother was already that woman. She did things for daddy, her children, the community, the church - not always in that order to be truthful.
She also took care of her skin.
Which is something she still does.
For as long as any of us can remember, Avon moisturizer has been her twice-daily routine. At 98 she still wants to have not just the jar she is currently using but a backup.
When I visited her recently I found her napping. It was the middle of the afternoon and she was wearing pajamas. They were red. She never has liked red. We didn't buy those pajamas.
She was also wearing lipstick.
The Westminster staff told me that she had refused to change into day clothes that morning. When I asked her about it, she told me she puts them on as soon as they are clean.
I was most surprised. She hates red. Really. Did I mention she never has liked red? And I promise you, I'm not embellishing the truth.
She thinks red is an angry color. I often hear that red is my best color, which has made me feel bad since my mother doesn't like it.
Hum -- maybe I can wear red after all.
And more than that - Avon moisturizer.
But most of all - continue to believe that God has a plan - and do what I believe honors him.
Our family so much believes that there is a reason Iva Louise Nesmith Huffingham has lived to be 98 years old. And we are excited to watch her continue to endeavor to be that person she told grandma that she hoped to become!
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