Burnadette Jackson
Mama Barbara cared so much, yet she can only see her version of the relationships she had with her family. She cared so much about being in control. Yet, she couldn't control the outcome of any of the happiness, the sadness, the anger, the frustration and confusion, or the emotional side of her children. Barbara cared so much that no excuses were made when she decided to reach out and offer monetary gifts or toys to family members. If you called to thank her or ask why, she'd tell you, "don't worry about it, either you want the money or you don't". If she loaned you money, the repay needed to be in the same denominations she gave you. She cared so much that quite often she distanced herself from the ones that she needed the most.
No matter the life experiences, deep down inside, mama Barbara never stopped loving. If she did not love, she would not have consistently complained about love. That was where her compassion shined through. No matter what happened throughout her lifetime with family and friends, she was our Mother. The one thing that cannot be taken away is that no matter how painful or sorrowful life had been at times, she remained silent to most people. Like they say in the store, some purchases are "as is". That was mama Barbara, You had to take her at face value. You may not have liked what she said at times, she may have angered you, she may have even hurt you so profoundly, it seemed as if it was to the core, but she was our Mom.
Mama Barbara collected ceramic and clay frogs. Those that knew her, realized that these frogs were all over the place, in the yard, in each room in the house and in her jewelry. Anything she saw in the store that had a frog insignia was purchasable. Probably about 25 years ago, I asked why there were so many frogs. She stated, "if I kiss enough frogs, I may find my Prince". I'm now in possession of a few of those frogs. I'm taking mama Barbara at her word. Maybe my Prince Charming has yet to arrive.
With all of our frailties and vulnerabilities, we still strive to be better people each day. Our life lesson is that it is never too late. I'll always love you and think about you Mama.
With Sadness, Gail Jackson
Life Is Forever, Death Is A Dream
If we did not go to sleep at night
We'd never awaken to see the light.
And the joy of watching a new day break
Or meeting the dawn by some quiet lake,
Would never be ours unless we slept
While God and all His angels kept,
A vigil through this "little death"
That's over with the morning's breath.
And death to, is a time of sleeping
For those who died are in God's keeping
And there's a sunrise for each soul,
For life, not death is God's promised goal.
So trust God's promise and doubt Him never,
For only through death can we live forever!
