A Word from Mary

Tonight my sister asked if I’d be willing to write her blog.  I am honored, however, I’m not sure it’s a good idea. She’s the writer in the family, not me.  But what can I say?  She said I could write about absolutely anything, and as I sit pondering my options, all I can think of is her.  So here we go.

To coin her words, God was good to me on August 8, 1945 when he gave me my very own sister.  And he was good to allow us to stay together through the years.  He was good to let us live in close proximity to each other, and he was especially good to send us each seven children who we raised together.  You might say we have done life together, right from the very beginning, and it’s been good.

Even though we divided the room we shared as children with a good strong chalk line that kept one out of the other’s space, today things are good, and I don’t know what I’d do without her.  She is my confidant, my encourager, my example and my hero. She is a good sister, the best.

As you faithful blog readers know, the last year and a half have been heart wrenching for her, and though she misses Nate terribly, she hasn’t slipped into self pity and despair.  She told me, with God’s good help, she chooses to focus on the things she has in her life versus what she doesn’t have.  Over a good many years, I’ve become good at observing her, as well as being on the receiving end of the good she does, and I can say wholeheartedly this is true.  Even in her grief, she continues to make good investments in the lives of others through faithful prayer,  encouragement and good deeds.

Tonight, as I arrived in Michigan, good and tired, I was concerned about the pile of snow I’d have to shovel off the driveway.  But I should’ve known better.  Margaret and her good son Klaus had already been there, anticipating need and doing the mighty job of snow removal. You guessed it, the driveway looked good!

And now, as I sit in Marni’s good warm living room, typing away on her computer, which by the way is working good, I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness to me. As his Word says, “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows.” I thank him for my sister, who is good and perfect for me, evidence of God’s grace and one of his greatest gifts.   Truly, God was especially good August 8, 1945 and I am blessed.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers (sisters) live together in unity…for there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”  Psalm 133

12 thoughts on “A Word from Mary

  1. I’m glad you got to Bethany Beach safely! How nice that your driveway was cleared for you! We had 3 different neighbors at different times helping with their snow blowers while we shoveled and we REALLY appreciated it. You really do have a nice sister! 🙂

  2. And this fact I know, for sure, that Margaret has a wonderful sister, also!
    Tonight’s Blog, written by you, shows us that you also have great writing ability.

  3. Thanks Mary for this wounderful words.. and it’s not only Midge that can write in your family! (Your good at it too)

    I’m thankful that I have met you sooo many times the last couple of years.

  4. Thank you Mary! You two are blessed having that closeness as sisters. We’ve been thinking about you a lot hearing on the news here about the big blizzard. Good to know you are safe. Miss you all.

  5. What a sweet post! When I was a little girl before L & B came along, I cried all the time about how I didn’t have a sister. I think that came from watching you and my mom and the way you were always laughing and having fun. I’m so glad God answered my prayers and gave me two sisters of my own. 🙂 I miss you both and wish I was sitting the warm Shorewood house with you. We’re so excited for Sanibel this year!

  6. Good words, Mary. The good fruit of the Holy Spirit, evidenced in your good life, gives you good perspective and helps you see the good all around you. Thank you for your good example.
    Love,
    Terry
    P.S. Good writing skills, too. 🙂

  7. Mary, I’m glad I know you, and that you and Margaret are gifts to one another, from our wonderful Lord.

  8. Hi Mary
    What treasured memories you share with your sister. You are a blessing to her as she is to you! How did God know?!
    What snow you all have had–seeing pictures of cars abandoned and stranded on Lake Shore Dr. reminds me to be thankful for the rain!! Hugs to you.

  9. When Margaret and whomever comes to Sanabel – hopefully they will phone when headed down I-75 nearing Wildwood Exit so we can meet and greet them at the exit for Rt44.

  10. hopefully you have our new phone #
    352-327-7560
    as you come down I-75 give us a ring
    when approaching Rt. 44 – and we’ll come meet/greet you at Steak and Shake.

  11. Mary, I didn’t realize what writing talents you have! I LOVE having 2 sisters, they truly are a gift-just as you describe with Margaret.

  12. I love reading of the warm memories and sweet relationship that Mary and Margaret have shared for 60+ years. I have witnessed it many times. What a blessing you are to each other and to so many others. Love you both….