Momma Sarah

I know this doesn't have to do with weight loss but I hope you will understand...

Momma Sarah had the softest skin of anyone I ever met. She was like a living down pillow. I loved to crawl up into her lap or snuggle up next to her and just stroke her skin. She also had that wonderful great-grandmother smell. A combination of talcum powder and vintage perfume with just a whiff of Aqua-net. As long as I can remember her snow white hair was done up in a way that can only be crafted by weekly visits to the hairdresser. Even at 98, it was a trip she did not like to miss. And it didn't matter how hot the kitchen got on a sizzling, Kentucky summer day - I never saw Momma Sarah sweat (or even glisten as some Southern women call it).

Momma Sarah was a rock. Don't let anyone tell you different. She was sweet, lovely and a Southern lady. But she was fierce about two things: Her family and her faith.

Her family seemed to include everyone. There was not one visit that I was not introduced to an extended family member who had stopped by to say, "Hey!" to Momma. Between the kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, cousins, second-cousins, and so-on and so-on, family was just woven into the fabric of her life.

The only thing more important to Momma than family was her love of Jesus. She lived her faith. It wasn't something she "believed." It was who she was. We always talked about Jesus. It was very natural for her. She had to make sure that I was on the right path. Momma wanted to know what church I was attending. I can just hear her, "Honey, do they preach the Bible? You know they have to preach the Word or it is just no good." Family who didn't believe should always be ready to hear about The Lord and why they need Him. She was our own Billy Graham. She did not offend but was clear about she had to do...spread the Gospel...in word and deed. Momma Sarah was the Christian I long to be.

Momma Sarah was ready to leave. She fulfilled her mission and was looking forward to seeing her friends, family and her Savior. During my annual trip to Nashville, I spent part of my last day driving two-hours up to the little town of Benton, Kentucky to have lunch with Momma Sarah and my Grandmother. Before the meal she told me how she missed all of her friends and that, besides my Grandmother, all her kids were gone along with most of her family. Momma felt lonely and wasn't sure why she was still chained to this world. We ate, took a picture and she told me she loved me and wanted me to kiss and hug that wonderful wife and beautiful boy of mine. I kissed her and then headed back for my flight.

The next morning, Momma Sarah had a massive stroke.

Earlier this afternoon, Momma Sarah went to be with her Savior. Her new life has just begun.

Amen.

Mike Alley - Great-Grandson of "Momma" Sarah Hurley