My Mother...My Hero — A Branch In the Vine

Mothers are awesome creatures. They are the lovely reflections of our Father God's unconditional, sacrificial, faithful LOVE! Moms are the true HEROS of life, or should I say, HEROINES! My mother, Jeanette Galuszka Renner, is MY hero!

A few years ago, I wrote a letter to honor my "Mommy" as she turned 85. We published mine, along with others from her children, grandchildren, and other relatives, in a book to honor this amazing lady.

I'm posting my letter to thank God again for the gracious gift of my MOM, my HERO...and to encourage YOU to give thanks to the Maker of Mothers...for YOUR mother!

Also, don't wait to eulogize your mom. If you are blessed to still have her in your life, tell her! Better yet, prayerfully and thoughtfully write her a letter. Don't assume she knows how wonderful and important she is...put it in print! (I think there's something sacred about the written word!)

Summer 2009

Dearest Mom,

Someone once asked me, “Who was the person who influenced you the most?” Without hesitation I answered, “My mother!” You, dear Mommy, more than any other human being, have profoundly impacted who I am and how I live my life. I will be forever grateful to God and to you for your sacrificial love, your teaching, and your example.

There was never a question in my mind that you loved me unconditionally and with great sacrifice. You were always on my side and helped me with school work, projects, etc. even though you had the others to take care of too. I remember how skinny and tired you always were, forgetting to even to eat lunch (amazing to me as a child!) because of your constant care for all of us. You would always make sure we had what we needed and often even stayed up late sewing to make clothes and costumes for us. I remember wondering how you could be happy never getting anything new for yourself. Now I know that your happiness was in giving to your family.

I also remember your teaching. You taught me to write my name in cursive before I went to school – something I took pride in! You taught me to crochet, which gives me great pleasure even today. I know you drilled school work with me and really wanted me to do well.

But most of all, I remember you taught me about God. I have memories of us sitting together on the couch in our living room in Tucson, looking at the big family Bible together. There were some pictures in it, so you told me about those Bible stories. I remember that you often quoted a verse from the Bible that I have never forgotten: “Eye has not seen, nor has ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1Corinthians 2:9)

You gave me a view of God and His ways that has remained at the center of my life to this day. You instilled in me that the most important thing in life is to do the will of God. I heartily agree!

But you not only taught me about God and His ways and about life in general. You showed me and my brothers and sisters what it is to live out faithfulness to God and your family by your example. You didn’t have an easy life…there were heartaches, difficulties, and struggles. You have often doubted yourself, but you have never doubted God and your love for your family. You have always set us a good example of devotion to God through prayer, giving, and attendance at church. And you have always been loyal, loving, and generous to all of us, your children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren.

It is a great pleasure to honor you today at this celebration of your 85th birthday! The Bible says that a woman like you is a treasure to find. I consider you among the greatest treasures of my life, and I do truly “rise up and call you blessed!” (Proverbs 31:28) You are my hero!

My love always

Janet Gale

I cry every time I hear this song...always thinking of my mom! My niece Noelle sang it to my mom at her celebration. Listen and think of your mom...

Wind Beneath My Wings

It must have been cold there in my shadow To never have sunlight on your face You were content to let me shine, that's your way You always walked a step behind

So I was the one with all the glory While you were the one with all the strength A beautiful face without a name for so long A beautiful smile to hide the pain

Did you ever know that you're my hero And everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle For you are the wind beneath my wings

It might have appeared to go unnoticed But I've got it all here in my heart I want you to know, I know the truth, of course I know it I would be nothing without you

Did you ever know that you're my hero? You're everything I wish I could be I could fly higher than an eagle For you are the wind beneath my wings

Did I ever tell you you're my hero? You're everything, everything I wish I could be Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle For you are the wind beneath my wings 'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings

Oh, the wind beneath my wings You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings Fly, fly, fly away, you let me fly so high Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings

Fly, fly, so high against the sky So high I almost touch the sky Thank you, thank youThank God for you, the wind beneath my wings

A Branch in the Vine

A Branch In the Vine