Myra (Cook) Ackman
Her memorial at FindAGrave
Twelve years ago today, I lost my precious step-mother of 36 years. She was a determining force for the better part of my life. Since her passing I have tried to hallow her memory with praise because of the endearing impression she's made on all who knew her. Many times I find myself reminiscing about some funny quip or some bit of advice that has helped me through the years.
She was blessed with a raiper wit that comes from growing up poor in the Kentucky mountains. Her humor was quick and merciless. Myra grew up in a coal mining community but she was "trained to virtue and grace, in faith and God's fear." An expert self-taught seamstress, she was rarely not at the old Singer sewing machine. Memory is sometimes muddled but with fondness I remember one joke in particular she would say when 'caught' sewing on a Sunday. Because Myra was of the die-hard Baptist faith, she would say she would have to remove all the stitches with her nose when in Heaven because she sewed on the Sabbath.
Her cooking was superb. A kind of cordon bleu but with a country flair. She could take an ordinary meal and make it special. We are still serving many of her delicious recipes, especially around the Holidays.
When I hear a Polka, her favorite music, it still brings a smile. Her favorite song, though, was Last Date by Floyd Cramer. She would crank that tune up and sway to the melodies that spilled out of that old cabinet record player. Last Date is one of my fav's now too.
In 2008, four years after her passing, her memory was still fresh, I wrote a brief story about how she came into my life.
Rest in peace dear lady. I'll bet you're sitting next to Floyd Cramer listening to him play for the heavenly bodies. I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven with our blessed LORD Jesus.
May she rest in peace.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and yours.
God bless.
What a sweet remembrance. Dates tend to prompt those precious memories of the saints God places in our lives. Praying those sweet memories comfort you today as you pause and remember.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Friend!
{{Sparky}}} yes, friend, one day you will see her again, no doubt about that...sending you lots of hugs and love, my friend.
ReplyDelete{{{and feeds are not updating---thank you for telling me}}}
I read this post....and then went back and read more of your other posts.
ReplyDeleteI want you to know that I am so glad that God had His hand on you and that your kind Step-Mother took such tender care of you. My heart was touched as I read a lot of your blogs today.
Sending you special hugs....and thanking God for His blessings and mercies...and for always being there for you. Always.
Love,
Jackie
Like Jackie, I went back and read starting with your birth mother....what a terrible relationship you had with your father; I'm so sorry and so happy you had Myra and have obviously had the smarts and the goodness to be such a terrific person yourself...With the help of God.
ReplyDeleteI loved how you said Myra was SO poor as a child but was into writing proper thank you notes, etc......says so much about her and the poor. She had dignity. And she gave you that.
I felt so badly for your mother, dying so early..awful.
God bless you, Sparky. I'm glad I know you. Z
It is amazing how one person can make such a difference in someone's life. Myra was that for me but you are also that one person who has brightened my life by your prayers, encouragement and kindness. Thank you everyone. Hope your day is blessed too. I know mine is already. ~:)
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