My Mother’s Day Tribute

Last week, one of my younger cousins replied to Martha’s blog about our grandmother Wallace. She talked about her sense of humor and positive regard for us as grandchildren and everyone else she met.

We all called her “Mama Wallace” and our grandfather “Daddy Wallace.” Those names seem strange to me now because I’ve never heard anyone else call their grandparents in that way. By the way, my other grandparents were “Mama Bailey” and “Daddy Bailey.”

My mother’s parents were Godly people.  They sought to live out their faith in practical ways. They were an example of holy living to their children.

My grandmother passed away several years ago, but her memory lives in our hearts and through the lives of those she influenced.

We particularly remember her sense of humor.  She knew how to take life in its proper perspective.  I cannot ever remember her laughing at other people, but I vividly remember how she laughed at herself.  Whenever we took a picture, she would say:  “remember to hold in your stomach”—in every picture you can see that she did!  To this day, whenever a picture is taken, I remember to hold in my stomach.

I remember once when she told of using hair spray.  Actually, she didn’t use hair spray.  She picked up the wrong can.  She sprayed her hair with furniture polish!  At the end of the day, she patted her hair and exclaimed, “ I thought that the spray was holding up unusually well.”

I also remember how she taught her children the dignity of all people.  Her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren all grew up believing that calling someone “stupid” was the worst offense imaginable.  She believed that God loved everyone and that love is shown in how you think and speak of others.

God worked through the example of our grandmother.  Paul told Timothy: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you.  Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you. . .” (1 Tim. 1:5-6).

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4 Responses

  1. I chuckled when I read your grandmother’s admonition to “hold in your stomach”. My Mom said the same thing–sometimes even when we weren’t having a photo taken! Unfortunately, because I haven’t been as diligent as you, Waylon, in exercising, it’s gotten progressively harder for me to do so.

  2. But, Waylon, aren’t we ALL your younger cousins? 🙂 Sorry — that must be Mama Wallace’s gentle humor working it’s way down to me. . . I just love reading your blog and Martha’s, makes me feel more connected. I’m so happy to read your words today about our beloved grandmother and now I’m going to make sure all your other younger cousins see them. Love to you and Martha. Susan

  3. Dr. “B”

    One of my friends from seminary also from this area married a girl who grew up in the church i pastor. He calls his in-laws, his children’s grandparents, “mama prince” and “daddy prince.” must be a southern thing! great blog!

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