The Baby Boomers in my Life…
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So, on we go! I have grouped these 3 women as ‘The Baby Boomers’
My Mother, Kathy Biederbeck: (Center, blue shirt) Well, I think it goes without saying that a girl’s mother is a huge influence on her life, and mine is no exception. Looking back on my childhood, there are so many things that stand out that were not only important lessons, but also are, I feel, unique to my mother. One unique quality was honesty. While working at Bethany Learning Center, a mother of teenagers wondered out loud what she should do if her kids ever asked her difficult questions about her experience with drinking or drugs. I told her my point of view- that I had once asked my mom if she had done drugs when she was younger. Though I could tell she was not thrilled to say it, she did answer quickly and honestly. It didn’t MAKE me want to use drugs, and I never dreamed of throwing it back in her face when she wouldn’t allow me to do something, because those desires weren’t there to begin with! Whatever the question, related to the Bible, or family, I feel she always answered truthfully, even if it was difficult.
Another unique quality she has as a mother was her willingness to let us try new things, from sports and activities to baking or lemonade stands, if it wasn’t dangerous or illegal, the answer was usually “Sure, why not?” Things like messes or even cost never seemed to be too much of a concern. So often I hear people (women) say things like “Oh, I could never do that”… How, exactly, do you know you could never do said thing if you’ve never even attempted it? Or, if you want to learn to do something, why haven’t you asked someone how, or taken a class, or looked it up on the internet? What is the worst that can happen? I think that sense of adventure stems from my Mom’s openness to new experiences for us when we were kids.
I had a hard time finding a picture of my mom for this page… There aren’t many to begin with, and most of the pictures I found don’t look like her anymore! I have to brag about my mom for just a moment-she has lost a ton of weight after bariatric surgery…Once again, she dove in and DID IT after years of struggle. I really admire that, and might I say she is looking FOX – SAY!
Connie Tharp: (Left, white sweater) Oh, my sweet Aunt Connie. Connie has always been so open and generous, something I have noticed and admired even from a young age. She has worked through the struggles of being a single mother, getting a nursing degree while working and managing a home, caring for her parents, and has found a new love in life. The best way I can describe her caring spirit is through her notes. I remember it started when I was in 6th grade or so, and has continued every once in a while into adulthood- Every so often, a note from Aunt Connie of encouragement and love will just… show up! It is a pleasant surprise every time it happens.
Josette Kruge: (bottom right corner) Josette is the only person in this collage who is not technically ‘family’, not in the traditional definition of the word, anyway. She is also the only person on this page who is no longer with us. In January of 2006, Josette passed away after a long battle with cancer. Her absence has affected so many, but it is her life that continues to move and teach people. What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Simply put, at her funeral I said (something to the jist of…) “We didn’t love Josette because she was kind, or generous, though she was those things….We loved Josette because she was like Jesus, and Jesus is kind and generous.” I miss her all the time.