???The TREAT of October 31st, 1922???

This sweet little lady is my dear mother-in-law, Lydia (Winick) Wuerch, who was born on October 31st, 1922, 95 years ago. Though she was born on the day attributed to Halloween — she was always the TREAT — not the trick.

?????For those who have known Mom as their dear friend, mentor, close relative or pastor’s wife who always encouraged, supported and caused you to laugh at her wit and sense of humor — it would be wonderful if she could hear from you via my email at: dwuerch@cox.net and I will copy off and give to her when I go to Tulsa tomorrow to celebrate her. She will love hearing from you. ?????

I’ll let you in on my thoughts of her — that I shared in her card that I’ll give her tomorrow. She’s not a social media gal — so she won’t know these words until tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Precious Mom — the Sweetest TREAT Ever!!
“This is the day the Lord made YOU — and I’m rejoicing and so glad for it!” I can’t begin to express all you have meant to me for the 57 years you’ve been in my life, but here are some of the ways:
1) You were my role model as I watched you be a strong woman of God who served so beautifully as a loving, faithful and devoted pastor’s wife, organist, Sunday School teacher, women and children’s leader, and so many other ministries that you devoted your heart and life to.

2) I will forever be grateful that my grandparents were the first to know you and introduced you to my family. You and Dad loved my grandparents and gave them so much love and support, especially as you would drive the distance across Dallas to pick them up and take them home from church. You loved and cared for so many others as “Mom” and “Mother” to many more than Ron & Karen.

3) You loved my family and showed so much hospitality to us. Oh the joys of Kip’s Big Boy on Sunday nights. You and my Mom became best of friends that prayed endlessly for us.

4) You and Dad were so loving and kind to me, welcoming me into your lives even as a young girl. You picked me to be Mahlah in the Church Christmas Play. I felt so special. I loved the sweet Christmas programs that you led all those little kids with such patience and love. Thank you for letting me wear your mink stole at prom. I felt like a Hollywood star. 😉

5) The greatest gift you gave me was your beloved son. That beautiful boy who became a beautiful man stole my heart forever. There is no one that could ever compare to his talents and abilities. Our love for each other stood the test of time, the test of tough and good times, the test of sickness and in health, the test of raising kids, the test of trusting God through every challenge. I thank you for instilling such strong faith into him, for the man of God he was, for the sense of humor, and, even for those “perfection” qualities that made him to always expect excellence from all of us. I thank you for instilling in him his musical gifts that gave so many such encouragement and joy. I thank you for everything about this precious man that filled my life with love and joy….most of the time! 😉

6) You were always supportive to me as a daughter — not just a daughter-in-law. You were there many times when I needed a shoulder to cry on. I’ll always remember and treasure your support.

7) You were always an incredible grandmother to my two — and great granny to my grandchildren. They all loved your homes that were filled with so much love and warmth — that included lots of places to run around and play, the best toast ever, playing your organ, your mustard plasters, your swimming pool, your apple pies and chocolate cake. Your gardens produced so many delicious vegetables. And, your canned pickles were the best EVER!

8) Being at the organ will always be a precious memory of you — and me getting to play the piano with you at church. You always encouraged me and helped me so much to play without music.

9) You have been an incredible example of serving God with all your heart, at church, home or at work. I was always impressed by your sales abilities at Sears. Everyone loved the discounted clothes you got us. Ron’s pastel colored shirts and pants and his long hair were the hot topic by all the church folk, but you defended him all the way!

10) You always had the greatest wit and sense of humor. You could make us laugh without even trying.

Mom, God must have loved us so much, that He gave you to us as the best TREAT ever. I celebrate this special day, honor you and give thanks to God for your life, your continual prayers for us and the living example of a Proverbs 31 woman of God.
Happy “95th” Birthday, Mom! I love you so much……Donna