This Special Issue contains tributes to our mothers. They are also posted at

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A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER:
MEMORIES OF YOU

by Mary Balthazar

I see you smiling down at me serenely,
Showing the pride you always had in me,
I see your sweet smile very often, it's true,
For my life now, has changed me into you.

Although, you are not here on earth anymore,
I find you with me always, even at the store,
Reading labels carefully, you taught me to do,
Ensuring safety in health foods, to be true.

When I am in the kitchen, preparing meals,
Your recipes with special spices, I do steal,
As cleanup time arrives, after meals so grand,
I feel you near, with tips of your helping hand.

Remembering you, at the end of a long day,
I take this time, as you taught me, to pray,
You see, this has always seen me through,
Because of you, I have God's Love, in all I do.

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER,
EVA HELEN GROSSMAN CATE

by Neva Cate (the youngest of her five)

     My mother was one of the gentlest women I've ever known. She was kind even to those who were unkind to her. Her love as a Christian shone out through her life, with such kindness. She used to read Bible stories to us five children. That way, we all learned to love God's Word, and want to read it for ourselves.

     I could never thank my mother enough for her love, not only for the five of us, but for her LORD and Savior. Each of us have come to HIM because of her life and her faith. Eva Helen Grossman Cate will always live in her children's and grandchildren's as well as her great-grandchildren's hearts, because Christ shone out of her life and heart to all of us.

THE DAY I SAID GOODBYE TO MOM,
JOSEPHINE HACKWORTH HOOP

by NormaLee Liles

     To be sure, she was an exceptional woman having raised nine of the ten children that she had given birth to, lost my father to a railroad accident as she was in the process of losing her vision If that were not enough, she was left with my special needs sister who is a twin who would later become her care giver.

     She was never one to cry the 'blues' so to say. She knew that she had a Comfortor who is supplied by o our Heavenly Father to guide and sustain her through whatever paths that she might take. She did not make an issue of her loss of vision but relied on her other senses which were keen.

     She continued to keep the 'home fires' burning for whenever we children were able to come 'home.' She outlilved my father by some twenty-eight years with the assistance of my special needs sister who became her eyes and she my sister's guide in matters which she required.

     In time to come, she started losing some of her mental capacities and took a hard fall in the bathroom; striking her side on the bathtub which cracked a rib which punctured a lung and in time, the leak of blood from the lung took her from us.

     Even though, I am number nine of her ten children, I always felt as if life could not go on without her but she had taught us well when she said: "Life is for the living and the dead cannot rest when you continue to grieve." Those words came to mind as well as when I knew that if my loss were high, my special needs sisters were huge so with that in mind, I said: "goodbye" with a heavy heart and knew that she had met with her sweetheart, my Dad in heaven.

NormaLee Liles ©

MY MOTHER
JOSEPHINE HACKWORTH HOOP

by NormaLee Liles

     What would it have been like to be my Mother?

     Becoming fatherless at the tender age of six as her father's love was snatched away from her with her being his baby, the last of the brood.

     This baby girl was the youngest of thirteen children who was adored by her siblings as well as her Mother.

     She was raised in a country setting where there was very little transportation other than horse drawn vehicles so she walked or was carried by one of her brothers when the weather was too bad for her tender feet.

     It was unheard of in those days for a girl to take part in a public dance but her brothers would sneak her out to play the piano at a square dance while they joined in with their fiddles. I am sure that was the hi-light of her day.

     Being the pretty little lady that she was; she was much admired by this handsome lad who had the intention of making her his bride. Her family were so protective of her that she was taken away from her home to stay with an older sister who was living in a city to keep this young couple separated.

     One evening, she and her sister had been to a nearby park to hear some good music. As they approached the house, they saw a man sitting on one of the porch chairs. Lo and behold, it was this lad who had come to see her. Needless to say, they were so happy to see each other. The next thing you knew, wedding bells were ringing in the chapel for this adorable pair.

     Ollie and Josephine were married on January 13, 1913. On December 30, 1913, they were blessed with a darling little girl. As time went on, they had three more children.

     In 1923, they had a set of twin girls and 15 months later, they had their second boy. Later on, they had a pretty little girl, Mary Jane, who they had to give back to God in the span of 2-1/2 years. This was a very traumatic time in their lives.

     In 1929, eight months after the loss of Mary Jane, I made my entrance into this world. I would imagine that it was tough to accept another little girl after having just lost one who was so ingrained into their family but I was never made to make note of this. You do not replace one person with another!

     Three and one half years later, my baby sister was born who was the last child that my Mother gave birth to. She was a frail child who seemed to have the pattern of Mary Jane so by that token, she was extremely protected and spoiled beyond reason but that is understandable after the loss of one.

     In the interim, Mother's health issues were very apparent having had numerous surgeries and if that were not enough, she showed strong signs of losing her vision. My parents looked into any and all medical assistance to avoid this atrocity but eventually, she did lose her sight.

     The heartache of Mother's loss of vision was not the end of trouble. In April, 1949, she lost her own true love when he was crushed between the rails of the railroad car that took his life. Her faith carried her through this period which was not surprising to me. She was not entirely alone without her man as she had a special needs daughter, one of the twins, who became her helper through thick and thin; Mother being her mental rock and she being Mother's eyes. It was a team like no other.

     For years, it was just Mother and my special sister until in time, the other twin had moved back to be with them and this was a God send as when we had to bid Mother goodbye, the twins were once more together and are so, today.

     We said goodbye to Mother in June 30, 1976 and in June 2005, we had a reunion to celebrate my parent's lives. We used a patriotic motif; red white and blue with a huge cake decorated in their memory, photographs of them plus red, white or navy tablecloths. The gathering was well attended and a good time was had by all.

     With that in mind, I share with you the poem which I wrote for this occasion:

Our Dedication
Honoring Ollie and Josephine Hackworth Hoop

She was a pretty young lass
He was a strong handsome lad
She was his dream come true
He was her knight in shining armor.
In January 1913, they were joined in holy matrimony
In December 1913, they were blessed with a daughter.
Over the years, their family grew, keeping them busy
as bees, caring for their brood. In time to come, they
faced the great depression but with mutual concerns
and faith above all, they endured life and prospered as
they saw wars come and be settled and saw their son,
Paul, return home safely from WW2. In this life, we face
difficulties; losing those we love to a fairer land than
we know here.....Giving up to the Lord, the children we
have reared from a little two year old, Mary Jane, to some
as adults; Dona, Doris, Glenn and Anna Marie,
Eventually, the sweet lovely lady lost her vision. In 1949,
while coping with this loss, she lost her knight. In the
face of such adversity, our strong lady kept the home
fires burning with the aid of our special sister, Lorene.
In June, 1976, our sweet lady joined her knight and her
departed offsprings in Heaven. She is missed so much
as was her loving knight but we carry on as they would
wish their heirs to do. Let us then, today, fondly remember
the love of this great couple and our siblings who have
been responsible for this great homecoming of all their
descendants; Brother Paul, sisters; Maxine, Lorene, Charlene
and yours truly, Norma

A TRIBUTE TO DOTTY JOSEPHINE MOSES
A WONDERFUL MOTHER

by Sr. Pastor Moses Justin Nirmal Kumar

Introduction:

     Parents are God's wonderful gifts to us. Godly parents lead us in the path of life. They teach us about our purpose in life, our priorities in life and true moral values. Our parents shower on us love, affection, compassion, tenderness and deep devotion. I am proud to share some of my precious memories of my mother and her influence on me and my life. . .

My mother's parentage:

     My mother, Dotty Josephine, was born on 4th June 1913 in Nagercoil, South India. Her parents were God fearing. Her father Ebenezer was a music teacher and choir master in the church of Nagercoil. With a meager income her parents brought up five children. My mother was the third in the family and a very lovable child to her parents. She was a brilliant student and stood first in her class, but unfortunately she had to sacrifice her college education for her eldest brother, who got admission in a medical college. She read religious books and loved to read classics like Jane Austen's and Hardy's novels.

As a life partner:

     My mother married my papa, Albert Yesudhas Moses, on December 29, 1927. God blessed her with six children. My dad was a graduate teacher, but in those days a teacher's pay was not high. My mother efficiently took care of the family in the famine years (world war time) by her industry. With her resourcefulness, she assisted my dad in obtaining higher degrees. All our family members were placed in good positions in life because of constant encouragement.

Her myriad talents:

1. A melodious singer: my mother was a good singer like her dad; she praised and worshipped God from dawn till dusk. She used to wake up her children in the morning with songs of devotion. She found God's comforting presence when she adored Him with her songs.

2. A good teacher: She taught Tamil to the missionaries. She was a Sunday school teacher. She helped the elderly and gave them simple messages from the Bible. On Sundays we had to learn by heart scripture verses before we were treated with delicious food. She believed in the Bible and its truth: "Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he'll not depart from it."

3. A great cook: My mother used to make delicious food, and I am happy to say that I learnt her delicious recipes. Let me mention a few of her special dishes from Nagercoil: Ulunthu Choru (black gram rice), fish gravy, varieties of kolukattai, banana leaf rolls, heeppers (idiappam), Pachai Payaru Payasam, cheepalagaram (an item made with combs).

4. An undaunted encourager: My mother was very fond of me. At one stage of my life, I was planning to discontinue my studies. My mother would not allow my negative thoughts to prevail. She took me to a college and got my admission. After my education, I was employed in a textile mill. My mother prepared special ready made food items, and made life easy for a homesick man. I still remember the dark night when I dreamt about my death and was emotionally drained. My mother was by my side, consoling me, and her comforting presence quelled my fears.

5. A paragon of virtue: My mama was very kind and affectionate. She was generous. They say there is no loving without giving -- all God's children will resemble Him in being GOOD GIVERS. In our home all the Bible women, the lay evangelists and the needy visitors had sumptuous food and monetary help. My mother was a good planner and thrifty. She used to save money by giving tuition. She had poultry and cattle, to provide food for her family. Her children's clothing was prepared by her; she was a good tailor too. Proverbs 31 speaks of a virtuous and God fearing woman. All the descriptions in the chapter portray my mother's good qualities.

6. Prayer life and devotions: She was an early riser and enjoyed quiet times of meditation with her God. She was a great intercessor. She prayed for her loved ones all the time.

7. A patient sufferer: My mother suffered from cancer. On the operating table she sang, "No, never alone." Her grandson (a doctor) and the other doctors were moved to tears by her faith in the Lord.

8. In the heavenly abode: She entered glory on 23-4-1995. She is now with the Lord; we will meet her in heaven or in the air. Oh, what a day of rejoicing it will be.

9. My mother's influence: Her prayers and loving guidance helped me to attain my present status in life. She used to call me a pastor. By His grace I am now a pastor in Mosjos Evangelical Mission Church, Chennai. It is one of the seven churches of the Mosjos Evangelical Mission Trust, founded by me. We have planted six churches, and we hopefully plan to establish churches in various places in Tamil Nadu State in India. I wish to reach the poorest in the society following my mother's example.

     In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Gypsies are called Nari Kuravar. They live by catching small birds, squirrels, stray cats, etc. They live on the streets. During the rainy season their sufferings are great. They are the most pitiable and pathetic beings on the earth. They don't send their children to school but make them beg and collect the rubbish and waste materials (even spoiled food) from dustbins and garbage for their food. They are called untouchables and nobody cares for them, including the government. They don't even have basic rights. They are considered to be evil criminals, even though most of them are innocent. They are the first people to be suspected and tortured by police whenever a crime occurs in neighbourhood.

     The training from my mother has changed my thinking in many ways. We have selected Thiruvanmiyur Narikuravars for our first project. Traditionally Narikuravars are not interested in our medicines, as they were used to their own ointments and other herbs. For the cure of jaundice they used to burn their hand with something with the belief that would help them. Ultimately they die of the disease. Their places are filthily kept. I and my wife have slowly mingled with them and made them to use the medicines. We visit them often and give them training and teach them about cleanliness. We are trying to educate them and change their dress so as to make them to move with ordinary people who are isolating them.

     Yes, our work bore fruit, and some of them wear the traditional Tamil saris. We bring them to our place of worship and try to make them feel they too can sit on par with others. When we have started this venture we felt very bad as they made the premises so dirty. Now they are well refined in everything. We are slowly making them to feel like other people. We have conducted their marriages, as normally they are not used to that. We are providing free medicines and food. We have opened a technical institute giving them training in sewing, typing and small technical trades. We have also started a home where neglected elders are provided shelter.

     My mother fed the poor and helped them by paying their school fees. The mother's training always keeps the child in a good path.

     My mother is absent from this world and me, but she is present with the Lord. I am grateful to God for her blessed memory. I always will cherish my mother's smiling face and hope and pray that I live up to her expectations.

Please visit our websites:
http://mosjoshealthcare.org
http://mosjoshealthcare.com/mother.htm
http://mosjoshealthcare.org/mother.htm
http://mosjosmission.org
http://www.mosjoshealthcare.org/bluedol.htm
http://www.mosjoshealthcare.org/personal.htm
http://mosjoshealthcare.com/it.html

TRIBUTE TO MOM, JANET RUTH

By Daughter Kathleen Marie

Brothers, older, four of them,
Sisters she had none.
Climbing, following, rough housing,
Trying to keep up.
She didn't know there was beauty within.

Lost her Daddy when barely a teen.
Had a step dad a few short years.
Saddened, lonely, growing,
Trying to fit in.
She didn't know there was beauty within.

Too many men coming and going,
Many with unwelcome advances.
Confusing, frightening, accepting,
Trying to stay safe.
She didn't know there was beauty within.

Handsome, suave knight in shining armor
Swept her off her feet.
Happy, birthing, homemaking.
Thought that she fit in.
She started to see the beauty within.

Knight fell off his horse.
Alcohol, abuse, six kids.
Scared, trapped, alone.
Trying to survive.
She didn't know there was beauty within.

Time went by. Kids grew up.
Grandkids came. "Grandma you are so soft."
Acceptance, contented, loved.
No longer trying.
She thought there might be beauty within.

Caregiver for the knight. Eyesight failing.
Loving attentive daughters.
Singing, volunteering, being at peace.
Able to enjoy.
She's found her beauty within.

MOTHER

by Beulah Marie Starr

When Jesus decided to send me
from Heaven's skies of blue
He searched the wide world over
for a woman, kind and true.

Someone who'd love me always
Someone to keep me spotlessly new,
one who would really love me...
just any mother wouldn't do.

Then at last Jesus found one
who was as good as could be.
She had been waiting, yes, longing
for a baby just like me.

So, He wrapped me in a fluffy cloud,
tied in ribbons pink and blue,
then slid me down the rainbow,
Mom, to earth to meet you.

MY TRIBUTE TO MY MOM, IRENE WADE

by Nancy Salo

     There are many things I could write about my Mom, but I think the best quality of hers is to be able to sit down and listen with an open heart and just be there for me. She has gone through a lot in her lifetime, but she always has a smile or a kind word to everyone. I know I have caused her much pain, probably off and on in my whole life but more so since I have been married, but no matter what I tell her she will tell me what she thinks I should hear, but always her conversation ends with "But I love you and always will. You could never do anything that would make me love you less." And believe me I have done some doozies!! She has a heart of gold and would give you the clothes off her back if she thought it would help you. She is a very religious lady and has always been so. I guess all in all I would say I have the Best Mom there is! To some she might mean nothing but to me she is everything and I love her so very much. I wish only the best of everything for her and hope that this Mother's Day is her Best Ever! She is a very Special Lady. I LOVE YOU, MOM.

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