When Mother's Day looms on the horizon, I admit that I have mixed feelings. My mom now sits in long-term care, mostly asleep or unaware of the person she once was. We remember the woman she used to be, the playful spirit, the depth of her faith in God. She was a worker, a mentor, one who was quick to come alongside anyone who was in need. Mom started her working career as a hired girl, along with her sister as cook for the harvest crew in the Aldersyde area near High River. She lived for a time with her bachelor uncle, Clayton, serving as his housekeeper in the house she had called home. Clayton moved in with his elderly mother when Grandma and Grandpa relocated the family to the Harmattan area and then on to the Westward Ho farm that eventually became our home. Mom and Dad met at a church conference or perhaps winter Bible school at one of the Mennonite churches. Mom eventually returned to be with her family on the farm and Dad went to live with the Harder family closer to Bergen; by road it was quite a distance. Dad came to visit astride his pony. Blaze, I think. I can imagine him riding through the road allowance, a boggy trail, reserved for future road development but left fallow.
Mom recalled one occasion which ended poorly. The willful pony decided he would keep heading south on the main road, refusing to turn in at the gate. After some active discussion, Dad ended up in a rock pile headfirst and his four-footed companion continued on alone. Mom said grandma was quite alarmed at dad's head injuries, which she doctored with skill. When they married dad continued to work as hired man on several farms throughout the county. Wherever they lived, they were active in the church community. In our little church they both acted as Sunday school teachers, superintendant and worship leaders. When they relocated to Olds, Mom was a greeter, shared the responsibility of the kitchen committee, worked in the nursery, taught Sunday school and Bible study. She acted as one of the contacts for the prayer chain for many years. Along with her work at church. Mom worked outside the home and helped Dad with a large garden.
She loved to sew and quilt, gifting many of her creations to others. She was a consistent hostess, welcoming guests for Sunday lunch on many occasions. She was always willing to give, of her time, her finances and her friendship.
