linnie

I'm the product of a loving, passionate, powerful woman. I call her a "force"- a force of compassion and enthusiasm, of wisdom and honesty. She is inspiring to her students, her community, and her family. She is the bedrock of her siblings, playing both the food-and-warmth role of her mother, and the passion-and-vigor role of her father. She encourages me in every endeavor, prays me through every difficulty, and holds me accountable. She's my mom.

I often fail to recognize the wealth of resources I have around me. At times I feel overwhelmed with the heaps on my plate. I get antsy to clear the plate entirely and start anew. But, I've been placed where I am. I haven't come here haphazardly or without purpose. Linnie reminds me of who I am. Thinking about her, I'm reminded of all the conversations with her that track my timeline. Standing at the kitchen counter after high school days. Conversations on the phone, while I sat in college dorms. Static-filled calls across oceans. Reprieves from busy-ness in the warmth and calm of our relationship. Tea, tea, and more tea- our patronage alone keeps Red Rose tea on the store shelves, I'm sure.

Who are you thankful for? Who keeps you honest and passionate?