First Year Departure Anniversary
It has been one year since the death of our loved one (Jo Ann McClain). While the passage of time has put distance between us and the days that we spent together, our memories of these moments may be as vivid as if they happened yesterday. Mother, the past year we have had to move forward without you, but we have not forgotten you. We have not forgotten the pain we felt at the time of your departure neither the profound grief we have felt in the days, weeks, or months to follow. This is the first anniversary of your death and each of us have mix feelings just as we each have dealt with our grief in different ways.
We thank the Lord for all the years we had with you. I personally look upon you as the Proverb 31 wife and mother. Who can find a virtuous woman? For the value of her life is beyond monetary calculations. Her husband has absolute trust in her so that he has no need of satisfaction from other women. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She keeps his clothing up-to-date, clean and tidy. She willingly works around the house. She provides variety at mealtime by wise selection and nutritious and delicious foods. She gets up early each morning to make his breakfast and sees that her children also eat properly. She knows a bargain when she sees one and is always concerned about the future stability and supply of her home. The strength of her character is shown in her attitude toward her household tasks. She takes pride in a job well done even if she must work late hours to accomplish it.
She knows how to use a sewing machine and needle. She has a compassionate heart and hand toward those who have great needs. Those in her home especially benefit from her domestic talents. Her own clothing shows good taste and modesty. Even her husband is known by her concern for his wearing apparel. She often uses her household talents to provide extra income for her family. She is known as a woman of honorable character. The humble expression of this character gives her an inner joy.
She is wise in her speech and especially knows how to say kind words. She is concerned about the interests and problems of all in her house. She is not a gossip. Her children are happy to talk about her to their friends. Her husband also praises her to others. Other women have done great deeds, but this type of a mother and wife ranks highest. Mother this is the influence you have made in my life. I so desire to be as humble and meek as you was.