Mamaw's house

 

My grandmother’s house was a special place.  It’s located in Kingsport on Lynn Garden Drive, just 3 doors down from Higher Ground Baptist Church. 

 

When she passed in 2001 at the age of 102, we wondered what would become of it.  It was an emotional time for the family, but the result could not have been more fitting to honor her memory. 

 

The house was acquired by members of the church and converted into “Jerusalem House”, a base for missions in the local community.  Services include employment assistance, job training, ex-offender transition, support services, food pantry, financial assistance, information, referral, medication assistance, parish nurse program, pre-natal education and psychological counseling.

 

http://www.jhousetn.org/ (there’s a button for donations, if you’re interested).

 

Below is a story I wrote about Mamaw when she passed.  I hope it touches you and inspires you to call your loved one today and tell them how much they mean to you.

 

I hope you have a great Memorial Day!

Jeff

 

 

 

 

May 3, 2001

 

Susan Fleming  1898 - 2001

Mother’s Day is May 13.  The day was always special for our family because it was one of the few times that all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered together.  It was my grandmother’s special day.  We would all arrive at Lynn Garden Baptist Church and linger on the front steps for a family portrait.  Some came from as far away as Florida to commemorate the special day.

 

As the years passed and our family grew, the front steps were hardly enough to accommodate the brood.  Inside, regular church members courteously moved from their favorite pew in order for us to sit with Mamaw.  Roses were always placed at the altar in her honor and the preacher recognized her as the oldest member and the member with the most family in attendance that day.  There was never a contest in those categories.

 

We will gather again at Lynn Garden Baptist Church this year – for the last time.  Mamaw passed away a month ago at the age of 102.  During her 3 years in the nursing home, the bond she had created with her children and grandchildren became evident.  She never ate a meal alone.  In fact, it was not unusual to have 2 or more family members at her side during each meal.  I had the honor of feeding her and spending time during those last days.

 

When I went to the nursing home for what turned out to be the last time, she had digressed to the point that most of her speech was impossible to understand.  She would always look into my eyes and hold a gaze – like she was examining me – and that nonverbal communication was enough.  This time, I leaned close to her ear and loudly said, “I love you, Mamaw”.  She gripped my forearm and looked into my eyes again and struggled – but she distinctly grunted out “I – love – you”, taking a breath between each word.

 

As family members talked at the funeral, we reflected on the hard times she faced – hard times none of us will probably ever know. She lived on a subsistence farm in remote, mountainous Southwest Virginia before even the most basic services were available – paved roads, water, sewer, and telephone.  She was attending Berea College during WWI, about the time Kingsport was incorporated.  She reared 5 small children during the depression.  I was also told that she was able to obtain staples during the depression because her sister (who owned a store) sent a delivery truck over the mountain from Coeburn. The blood ties were the only reason for that treacherous drive.  I was always told that she willed my Daddy to live through a bout with spinal meningytis when every other child in the county who contracted it ultimately died as a result.  She rode a horse to Clintwood – the nearest town – to get crude medication to treat the symptoms.

 

If all that wasn’t enough, she sent her first two sons (including my dad) to WWII.  Recently, my aunt shared some letters from Dad to Mamaw when he was in service.  Once again, the bond was evident.  I wonder why he never talked about it?

 

This Mother’s Day, don’t forget your grandmother, mother, wife, or daughter.  Have a blessed day and cherish the time you have together.  You will be creating lasting memories that your children will carry with them for the rest of their lives – just as I am sharing with you today.

 

Jeff