I Am Ruth Vickery's Daughter

I’d love to tell you a little bit about my mom, Ruth Vickery. I’ll tell you why I’m thinking about her tonight in a minute.

First of all, I only got to have her around for 18 birthdays. That wasn’t enough.

While I did have her, here’s what I saw. I saw a woman of compassion and generosity. When I was in 3rd grade, there was a little boy named Roy who always wore ragged clothes to school. His shoes were more hole than shoe, and they lacked their full soles. My mom went to the store and bought Roy some clothes and shoes. She gave them to his family with no fanfare whatsoever.

I saw a woman devoted to her family. I never once doubted if I was a priority. And I never wondered if she enjoyed being my mom. She took care of her own mom and dad in their elder years with a joyful heart, considering it a privilege.

I saw in Ruth Vickery a woman of faith. Her Bible was marked, highlighted, written in, and lived out. Once when I was feeling anxious about what I might want to do for a career, she asked a question that I will always remember, “Baby, don’t you think God can make a way for you?”

The best thing about today and the reason I’m thinking about my mom (aka “Mama”) tonight is the text I got from one of my Texas cousins this afternoon. She had watched the video from the Easter in the Park service where I shared our story. She said so many encouraging things, but the thing that wrapped my heart in pure joy was this:

Aunt Ruth would be so happy…you are illuminating her expressions and life even now. You are smaller and shorter than your mom, but your heart is the size of hers. Now explain that!! God’s mysterious ways still working.

Mama, I love you.

Forever proud to be Ruth Vickery’s daughter.