Miriam, the woman with no middle name.

Our hearts have recently mourned the loss of Eric's Mom affectionately known to all as Mim. Our family will miss the weekly visits and cherish the memories we made with this most special woman. As I have been pondering and reminicising about her life I have been thinking about an unusual fact that many may not know. Miriam Yoder was the woman with NO middle name.

I remember the evening when I found out that she had no middle name. I spent a great deal of time trying to convince her that certainly she had to have a middle name. It just seemed unusual, almost not fair. I have decided that, in her honor, I shall bestow to her some most fitting middle names.

Miriam "The Mother" Yoder: It didn't take anyone very much time to determine that this woman LOVED LOVED LOVED her boys. I don't think I can ever remember ONCE a negative word uttered from her mouth about these guys. Each one of them had captured her heart in a special way and she rejoiced in their triumphs and gladly bore their sorrows.

Miriam "The Cook" Yoder: While in her last decade she was not able to display her culinary wonders it is widely known that this woman could put on a spread. I remember enjoying some fabulous Sunday dinners. As I look through her old cookbook it is plain to see that cooking was certainly a passion. She always made her food look so beautiful and when you dined with her it wasn't a rushed event. A meal was something to be shared, relished, and enjoyed.

Miriam "The Grandma" Yoder: If you think Mim loved her boys you should have seen/heard her talk about her grandkids. This was one proud Grandma. She was never rushed, always willing to listen, or have an on the spot tea party. She would sit with enduring patience as my girls would "do" her hair and make-up or paint her nails. She was their biggest cheerleader. With each, "Hey Grandma, look at this..." she watched with the raptured attention and made it seem like each performance was Broadway worthy.

Miriam "The Compassionate" Yoder: Mom, Mim, Grandma Mim.... however you knew her; you were aware of her compassion and love of people. She was the kind of person who cheered for the underdog and helped the hurting. Her first response when seeing a need was to figure out WHAT she could do to help. She prayed diligently for those she loved and carried the burdens for so many. It was her delight to help without expecting in return.

Miriam "The Strong One" Yoder: It is no mystery that her life had some bumps along the way. Whenever she would reference these setbacks it was usually couched with a promise of God and a reminder of that despite her circumstances she stood on the grounds that God was indeed still in control. Some of these setbacks seemed to be harder than others but her resolve to trust would emerge and, though heavy hearted, she would still offer up praise to her Creator and Sustainer.

Miriam "The Prayer" Yoder: Mim prayed for so many, many people. Most significantly I know the prayers she offered on behalf of her wayward son have forever changed my life. I am grateful that she never gave up on Eric. A few years ago I found a letter that she wrote to Eric. It reiterated what I already knew; She prayed without ceasing.

Miriam "The Sister" Yoder: It was always a JOY to see Miriam around her sisters. Intense joy filled the room when they were together and laughter was never far from their lips. Sometimes it would be laughter over a story shared or a memory cherished. And sometimes it was just laughter because they loved to laugh. Being in the presence of her sisters brought Mim great comfort.

As time passed in Mim's life her health declined and some of her traits and characteristics began to change somewhat. She still loved a good laugh and her eyes lit up with joy at the presence of family. However, over time, it was difficult for her to let go of some of her independence. At times it was a challenge for us to see her slowly fade. But it is through these years that emerged a new phase for us and an opportunity that allowed us to LOVE her back.To love her the way she loved us, without expecting anything in return.

Miriam "The Loved" Yoder: Gathering around her hospital bed last week it was obvious that this woman was loved. Her life was one of unconditional love and it was a blessing to hear her communicate she was ready to go home. Peace fills our hearts as we ponder that she is finally released to no more pain or sorrow and her life has been renewed. She loved so very much to listen to and sing praise and worship music. I can only imagine how wonderful and content her smile must be as she sits and worships at the feet of her Lord and Savior.

I feel this song expresses how she must feel.( I tried to make it a link, but it wasn't working)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEfHSXZJX_E



You are loved dear Miriam, the woman without a middle name; the mother, the sister, the Grandma.....my friend.

Celebrating Our Ju-Ju Bear!

Ju-Ju Bear, JuCY Box, JU-G! We love our Julia Claire Yoder! I still can't believe that I am embarking on a week where I will begin to say that Julia is 13!
Saying where does the time go seems so trite. But seriously, WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? It seems like just yesterday she was convincing me that she did not want to grow up, and I was convincing her that she would indeed survive Kindergarten. Wow, those were 12 trying weeks of tears every morning. But I look at her now, amazed at how she has overcome her bent towards being shy and has (seemingly overnight) emerged into a beautiful, young lady. I am so proud of my teen and so thankful that I get to be her Mom. I don't ever want to imply that our lives are perfect. Believe me, we have our share of struggles and "growing pains". But, I am so THANKFUL that I can honestly say I enjoy my teenager! I am proud of her and so thankful for her unique gifts and talents!

We had a great night with 5 families joining us to celebrate Julia. We started this tradition with our girls when Kathryn turned 13. We came together with the intent of showering Julia with encouragement and affirmation as she enters this exciting time of her life. We spent the evening reminding her of, not only our love and committment to her, but of God's promises and plan for her life. Eric and I sang "I Bless You!' and even had some great guitar accompaniment as well....thanks Noel!

Each family brought words of encouragment that were shared. We were also excited to have had some family and East Coast friends send some special words (and video) as well. It was a great time of (as someone this evening put it) reminding Julia of "who she is as well as WHOSE she is!"

TOP TEN THINGS I APPRECIATE ABOUT MY JULIA!

...not in any particular order..

1) There is never a dull moment when Julia is around. She is the funny one of the family with a quick wit and timing that is impeccable.

2) CREATIVE with a capital C! This girl can create and invent the greatest skits, dance routines, correography, poems, etc. Her recent rendition of "Christmas Is Coming!" had us ALL in stitches and I was laughing so hard I was crying. She is always taking time to include her younger sister in her "shows" as well. I think her creativity is one of her greatest strengths.

3) She is a servant. Her willingness to help and ability to see when help is needed makes her wise beyond her years. Her sensitivity to others has been evident to me since she was a young child. She always seemed to be able to perceive what someone was feeling, thinking, or needing.

4) She is generous. I love to watch her as she sees a need. She immediately seeks ways to meet it. Her commitment to tithing and giving back to the Lord convicts me, encourages me, and humbles me. It is always the first question she asks when she gets money "How much should I tithe?" I have seen the Lord bless her because of this.

5) Julia is a hard worker. I actually was going to type PERFECTIONIST. But I know she gets that honestly. I see her diligence come through in so many different ways....school, sports, ....really anything! She is not one to slack, but rather embraces the respsonsibility life brings her way.

6) Julia is growing in her faith. I am delighted with the conversations we have about spiritual things, so thankful for her sincere desire to honor the Lord, and am grateful for the priority she places in her pursuing her relationship with the Lord.

7) Over the past 3 to 5 years there have been times when our family has faced some uncertainties. I have always been so amazed at how Julia has trusted us (without question) and seemed so willing to "go without" or "sacrifice" without complaining. She has a common sense about her of what is truly important, what matters, and of what lasts. It is refreshing.

8) She is my cleaner and organizer. Can I just say it is AWESOME to not have to go behind this girl and check to see if something is done "right".I can always count on her!

9) She is perceptive. She has a keen sense to know the intentions and needs of others. Being in a Junior High setting, she comes across many situations where she sees someone who has been mistreated or others who act in duplicity. It AMAZES me how perceptive she is in regards to this. I am so thankful for her desire to stay out of the DRAMA!

10) One of the things I am most proud of is how Julia has grown in the area of accepting change. My most favorite quote of Julia as we prepared to move is "I hate change. Why do we need change? If you want change so bad...go rearrange the living room. Don't try and change how my life is" It is true that JULIA NEVER liked change...even little changes bothered her. But I have seen her really grow in this area and have been so proud of her.


Julia, I love you more each day and am so thankful to be called your Mom. I love you bunches and am so thankful that you are in our family. I can't wait to celebrate your life this week.

Love you,
Mom