Prologue

Memoirs.

Typically boring except to mothers and an auntie here and there. That’s why this memoir is not one. At least that’s the plan. Nor is it a confessional. You may raise an eyebrow or two at startling scenarios, but any anecdote or remembrance, whether sweetly tender or soaked in regret, is for context and as an indicator of the unspeakably magnificent grace of God.

These pages, if received in the way they are intended, should bring laughter, tears, hope, and, God willing, encouragement. Jesus, whether you know Him or not, takes center stage throughout.   Into the bargain there will be stories– a few of my own and possibly a smattering of yours. Maybe you will recognize yourself. Maybe you won’t. Will you see yourself because we’ve known each other personally? Or will you perceive you because none of us is really all that different from the person sitting next to us? You decide.

Most of what you will read is completely true, though some content is written in protective language because I care for people and their feelings.  Loved ones are more important to me than all of these words. I shouldn’t have to tell you that, I suppose. This approach does not affect the outcome of the stories. 

Confidence has not always been a friend to me. It has taken more than what I have to embrace this project and for that, I thank God.  Only when I cross the threshold of heaven will I take my first real breath without wondering if I’m doing it right, for at the present time I am merely a shadow, albeit a well-rooted shadow, of what is waiting across the veil – the Promise of all things new.   This is what I can offer now. 

 I trust you’ll experience very little boredom.

I trust you will be encouraged. 

I trust you will see a child of God.

A trophy of His grace. 

A former Tumbleweed.

Dedication

Were it not for as steady a man God ever put on this earth I would not be who I am. And so, my dear beloved, with your simple name and complex soul, it’s to you I dedicate all of this. 

For decades you’ve listened to my  rambling about what agitates me, steadied my wandering and pondering Tumbleweed-y course, bound up my  wounded heart, co-parented a surprisingly challenging assortment of children whom we both love more than our next breath, and led me faithfully to the Cross again and again.

You see deeply

Discern wisely

Laugh oftener

This book and every other decent thing I accomplish is in partnership with you, Bob.

All my love,

MM

Oh, and P.S. 

Immeasurable thanks to my darling eldest for help with the technology side of life, enabling me to bring this endeavor to 21st century fruition. If left to my own devices I would be drowning at my desk surrounded by spiral notebooks and dozens of Bic mechanical pencils.