Nun Like Her

 Miroslav Vajdić for openphoto.net

My mother-in-law, Marsha’s life changed unexpectedly when she was at the precarious crossroads of youth and adulthood in the year 1972.  While attending nurse’s training as an eighteen-year-old in Bottineau, ND, she was befriended by a crew of charismatic nuns.  Her eyes light up whenever she reminisces about the unconventional convent-dwellers who spoke in tongues and made a lasting impact on her young life.  “They were radical,” she commonly gushes of the Spirit-filled sisters. 

 

When I think of my Mama Marsha—that's what I like to call her—and the selfless, fun, open-minded, compassionate caregiver that she is, I realize that those beloved nuns of hers paint a beautiful picture of who she is today.  She is so giving and Godly, but also as free-wheeling and unpredictable as a frolicsome child.  

 

Mama Marsha has a big heart.  From moving her dying mother into her home and caring for her round-the-clock, to accepting the arduous role of power of attorney for an aunt with Alzheimer’s, to regularly helping a quadriplegic man with his home care paperwork—she continuously cares for those who are no longer able to care for themselves.

 

She exerts so much energy helping others that she often wearies herself to the point of becoming loopy—a state of mind I welcome with eager anticipation, because it’s when she’s in that silly state that she unleashes that awesome, unrestrained cackle of hers, accompanied by her bright, wild, eyes and that rascally, girlish grin. 

 

She has truly transformed into the image of her own heroes, just in time to give me another wonderful role model to look up to and emulate as I continue my own journey into adulthood.  I only hope I can achieve that gentle balance between youthfulness and maturity as gracefully as she has.

 

I love you, Mama Marsha!  Happy 60th!