Happy Birthday Darlene

You are how old?!?

My dear ma is 90 years old today. It is a blessing that we have her with us and she is still doing pretty well for her age. She was born in Adel, Iowa at home on December 23, 1933. Her parents were India and Ralph Merical. Her sister, Patty had been born 15 months earlier. There would be eleven children in the family.

My mother is a strong person and personality. She lights up a room and can make someone feel comfortable in her presence. Darlene is social, she loves to chat, especially at church. Everyone who meets her likes her. I am glad I have inherited some of those qualities, but she is much more patient with people than I am.

Mom gave birth to five children, mother to six. She has survived her husband of nearly 60 years, her eldest daughter, and four younger siblings.

Growing up in the depression gave her a thrifty mindset, which as an adult I can appreciate, but as a child, I didn’t of course. But as a parent of six, that thrift came in handy.

Mom is an amazing person, a woman of great faith, and inspiration to me and all she meets. I never doubted that she loved me, and my brothers and sisters. She was never too strict, but my younger sister and I were the second set of kids. I think we did have it easier than my elder siblings.

After losing my Dad, I am very glad Mom is still with us. She had some serious health issues a few years ago. The doctor even said for us to prepare ourselves for the worst. Thank God she pulled through.

One of my most recent vivid memories is that during the early days of Covid, she was in the hospital. Her room was on the ground floor and had a window so we could stand outside the window and talk to her on the phone. Funny how just being able to see her like that was at that crazy time such a lovely thing.

I mentioned her faith above, her love for Jesus defines everything about her. She would say that the Lord has given her the strength to keep going. Even though she does like to read books, especially love stories, she would choose her Bible over any of them and reads it daily. She prays for me and our family every day. I like to think I feel that power providing me strength to get me through the day.

Happiest of birthdays to you, Momma. May you have a year of joys and blessings.

Mom at 88.

Mom with one of her great-granddaughters

Mom and Dad on their wedding day—