Today my mother would have been 97 years old. She was an amazing woman from a time gone by, yet her ideas and beliefs are so relevant to today. I feel so fortunate that she was my mother! Also, as I grow older, I realize how precious time is and how fast life moves for each of us. On my journey to “Gratitude” I need to constantly remind myself to “stop and smell the roses”, and to “make note of each day”. My mother’s poetry reminds me of this. Her poems titled, “Tomorrow Is Not Promised”, and “Do Not Hold a Hurt or Grudge”, as well some of the lines in her poetry, “I would not be blue because of you” and on and on teach us about Gratitude.

Recently, with my son’s help, we put my mother’s poetry online for everyone to see and listen to as my mom was videotaped reading some of her poetry. This is our free gift to all of you. Simply go to ahouseinsideofme.com and in the Table of Contents look for those poems marked (video) to see and hear Marian Elsie Blake in person.

My mom was a minister’s wife for over sixty years. She had my grandfather, her niece, and her four children to care for in her home everyday as well as various churches full of members. Her words gave everyone peace, and hope each day, and calmed those in pain from a recent death, or sorrow from a loved one. She shared God’s wisdom and lived a joyful life. Today, on her birthday, I pause and celebrate her life well lived! I am so grateful to and for my mother!

#gratitudelite