Lydia

I really procrastinated writing this little note because it seemed like an overwhelming task; to write down some thoughts or memories about you! So instead of getting too emotional (like I need that, now), I will try and write a few of the more humorous points of our relationship.

Thanks to nature or nurture (who knows?) I got a lot of my personality from you. Knowing this is very helpful when it comes to every day life. For example, I know never to call myself when I get into a car accident. I will only tell myself what I don’t want to hear like, “well, that is going to cost you a lot of money.” The two of us can also be very different. No one could forget all of those beautiful dresses you made me when I was little. You know, the ones that I refused to wear? I think at the age of six, I gave the excuse, “It will make me look pregnant.” Of course, I guess that means we are both extremely opinionated, but sometimes our opinions aren’t the same. P.S. I am very glad you have two granddaughters that love to wear those dresses, now!

Even though I feel like I can sometimes be Zedler on the outside and Tuffly on the inside, there are still things about you that make me say, “I want to be like that!” Growing up, you were such a role model for us, even if you were completely unaware of it. So much so, in fact, that we were all afraid to listen to music or watch shows that we thought you would disapprove of. That is why I only sang Wilson Phillips in the shower when I was sure no one was listening. It is also really inspiring to think of how you got back into the workforce when we were all big enough to take care of ourselves to help pay for those boys’ private school education (just another reason I am pretty sure I am your favorite). You pursued something completely new and excelled at it.

I learned to never question several things about you: how much you loved me and cared about me. Looking back, if you could love me during the years of 1987 – 1992* (which, I think you did), I know your love for me is unconditional. And for that, I am extremely thankful! I also know that you care so much for my future happiness. Nothing showed me more than the two hours you spent questioning Tim when he asked if he could marry me, and then spending the next hour telling him all about me…and all of the great things he had to look forward to. =)

I rarely surprised you growing up, or you were just very good at hiding it. The one time I remember true shock and excitement from you was when I told you that I wanted to be baptized. I guess you helped me make that decision without even knowing it. In fact, I can attribute a lot of my spirituality and the tings I’ve learned to you. You explained to me one time that the commandment, “Honor thy father and mother” meant that I needed to live a life that pays tribute to the great job you did in raising me. I can only hope that I have accomplished that task. Thank you for your love and patience in my life. I am very thankful to have a mother and example like you!

Happy Birthday! I love you! Lydia

*In 1987, I turned 8 and Stephen turned 13. For the next five years, not a dinner went by without any arguing, whining or sarcasm between the two of us. We call them “the dark years”. And it didn’t stop until Stephen moved out for college. Graciously, God repaired our relationship and we are now very close.