As I sat there I wondered about her journey as a wife and then a mother of 6 and 2 that had gone to heaven. I know her 'walk' wasn't easy but she never allowed the difficulty of her journey to cause her to stop. After working hard with her husband (Papa Zebin) to make a living in the family store (El Colmado) in Santo Domingo, they were able to enjoy the fruits of the labor.
Vacations to the DR were always fun as we made many memories. I'll never forget all the grandkids running to the kitchen in the early morning when they'd hear the blender.....Abuela was making "batida de lechosa" (Papaya milkshake). Sitting on the rocking chair on the front porch listening to stories after stories seems so much richer now.
Proverbs talks so much about WISDOM. It's one thing to have knowledge but it's entirely another to walk in that knowledge and have a life, a legacy a heritage that portrays the wisdom that has been walked out. To have a 100 year old grandmother that lives it......To have a mother that lives.........is invaluable to me!!
So what would she tell you after 100 years? "Love the Lord Your God with all Your Heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself." This has been her 'mantra' for years!!
So what is her deepest desire? "That her family....to 5 generations.....would come to know, love and serve Jesus."
May it be said of us that we have left clear footprints for those to come.......
Psalm 71: 17-18
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.
Happy 100th Birthday Abuela!