It’s been 2 1/2 years since my Mother (Nana to our family) went to be with Jesus. As memories do, they come quickly and sometimes without warning, leaving me glassy-eyed and unable to speak. Most of the ones I have of Nana are embedded in sweet, tender moments that pop up when I see a beautiful garden, a photo in an album or celebrate a birthday.
Occasionally, I will reflect on what seemed like her unassuming way of accepting things at face value…and learn from her posthumously.
This month, it was her car that taught me a lesson.
When Dad died and left Mother a widow at 62, she had never paid bills or made any significant purchases by herself. She was saddled with quite a bit of hospital debt, but had it paid off within a couple of years after his death by setting up payment plans. Soon after, she began to talk to my Hubby about purchasing a car. Being the engineer and wise purchaser that he is, Gibson heard her desires for a Saturn and began to research the best car.
The next day, we heard a beep-beep outside and looked to see Nana in our driveway with a brand new Saturn! Turns out the Saturn folks did a great job of making her feel like family, and she bought a car right there on the spot. We worried that she had not gotten a fair price or a dependable car, but Nana was happy with her invitation to the monthly hot-dog events at Saturn and visited there frequently to see her Saturn family.
When Momma moved into Assisted Living here about 15 years later, she turned over The Saturn to our youngest daughter – Caroline – who had just gotten her license. Nana’s Saturn lasted much longer than she did and longer than any of us would ever have dreamed!
This month, we were able to donate Nana’s Saturn to MAIA Moms. A 20 year old car with less than 100k miles. Truly, a little old lady’s car. But a lady with spunk, fortitude, and as it turns out – an eye for a good car deal.
I am reminded of this verse and it gives me great comfort in praying for those who might seem like they are flying solo:
Father of the fatherless and Protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5
Do you feel alone in a decision? Without wise counsel or protection? Look to Him. Nana did!