Don't Lose Heart

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MARTHA WARD

This is in honor and in memory of one of my many adoptive mothers, Martha Ward. Martha and her family entered my life at a time when I could have easily jumped out of this life and called it quits. Dealing with physical abuse from a stepfather for 15 years, then dealing with another stepfather verbally abusive along with alcoholism with him and mother, life was pretty bleak. Martha and my mother went to school together and Martha became my mother for those years. I babysat her two boys and watched them grow. I was the daughter she never had. She was my refuge when I had nowhere else to go and her door was always, always open with a shoulder to cry on and kind, healing words. It was Martha who introduced me to the pastor of her church and brought about my spiritual awakening again, as I felt God had deserted me. That pastor, Bill, is one of my dearest friends these many years, nearly 35. Martha’s family became my family, her mother became my grandmother, her sister became my aunt. I was welcomed with open arms.

Martha visited us in Florida when my son was just a tyke and she got to meet my husband and son and got to know that I made out okay and life was good. I visited her in New York a few years back and we toured our old neighborhood and she filled me in on the comings and goings. It was a wonderful day and a memory that I will have forever. Martha died November 13, 2010. She lived a very full life and while life was not always easy, she never complained. She took what life gave her, made the best of it and was a blessing in my life. Rest in peace my dear friend. We shall meet again. You were so loved and for all you have done for me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Susan