frieda mae

Frieda Mae became the boss on August 2, 1918

In a time where most girls her age desired only to be a housewife
She had dreams.
Big, world-changing dreams.

Frieda Mae turned a rowdy, boisterous, drinkin' man
Into a strong, God-fearing, leader man.
She had faith.
Unchanging, mustard-seed faith.

Frieda Mae raised children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren
and numerous friends.
She had patience.
Enduring, loving, patience.

Frieda Mae had her way
and no one else's.
She was bossy.
Incredibly, unbelievably bossy.
It was how she said "I love you."

Frieda Mae would call Sundays at 2
We would call Wednesday evenings.
She would send her cards
the first week of the month.
She was consistent.
Completely, steadily consistent.

Frieda Mae was 5-foot-2-and-shrinking
with all the gusto (and some) of a giant.
She would make even the 6-foot boys
sit on her lap
and scratch our itchy backs.
She was kind.
Easily, thoroughly kind.

Frieda Mae lived through the great depression
World War II
Vietnam War
and a lot of the War in Iraq.
She lived through the deaths of her
mother
father
sisters
husband
son.
She had strength.
Courageous, mighty, strength.

Frieda Mae knew the importance of saving money
but nothing was as important as following God's call.
Because of that commitment to the Lord,

She was selfless.
Jesus-inspired, unashamedly selfless.


Frieda Mae would listen
to everything anyone would care to say.
She remembered
people, places, faces and events
even if she wasn't there.
She had this compassion
unlike most people.
She could understand and relate to emotions
others would easily overlook.
She took initiative
even when she was afraid.

Frieda Mae has this kind of love
that did not change
based on our actions or words.
She had love like Jesus.

Frieda Mae wasn't even sick
Just slipped while taking care of
a precious baby.
and she went to be with Jesus
(just like she did everything else
in her life)
when she wanted to.

Frieda Mae left this world on January 7, 2011 for a much better one.  She was reunited with her love, son, family and Savior.  Given the choice, she wouldn't come back.  That statement shouldn't sound harsh.  Because while this life has a lot of great moments, it is nothing compared to the joy of spending eternity with Jesus.