Schmaltzy Sunday

I am one of the luckiest girls in this world.

Why, you ask?

Because I have not just one, but TWO women that I call Moma.

My first (and biological) Moma is Nancy Janson Holland, she passed away due to complications with childbirth after my sister was born in 1984.

My second Moma, Edith Holland, has been my Moma since 1987.

For as far back as I can remember, Moma has been a part of my life.

I've not known remembered any different

and I've always called her Moma to my knowledge.

(I know she will say otherwise, but I don't remember calling anything else.)

Moma comes from a sweet little family that grew up within city limits.

So when Daddy and Moma married in June 1987, we moved to town!

*Yippee*

At the time, Mom had two grown children from a previous marriage,

both had moved out and were married.

Moma worked as the director of a county program.

But when three snotty children ages 2, 5 and 8 come in,

she willingly left her position and became a stay-at-home mom.

Then by September 1987, she and my dad took in and began raising her 3 month old granddaughter.

This little baby girl is now who I call my sister, Alisha.

Within a matter of months, we had gone from a family of 4,

to a family of 7 when they were married,

to a family of 8!

A little bit from Daddy and a little bit from Moma!

We were the Brady Bunch and we loved it that way!

Since Lee and Beth were grown, it was just the 6 of us living at home....in town.

Over the last (almost) 24 years, Moma has helped my Dad to mold me into the woman that I am today.

*que tissues*

This lady has been the best role model that a girl could ever ask for.

She's taught me how to be responsible,

how to make the bed,

how to sort laundry (this always seemed to be an issue),

how to properly set the table,

how to wash dishes (greasy pots and pans go last!)

how to vaccum,

how to cook and bake (don't worry mom, I know how ot make doo-up appropirately)

how to fold bath towels in a tri-fold (there is a precise way to do it and I plan to teach my kids this one day too!)

how to be a giver of myself and of my soul,

how to weed the flower bed (which I still despise), 

and most importantly: how to be a Godly Christan Woman.

There are so many things that I take away from growing up under her watch, care and guidance.

If I can be a woman with such faith, character, and love as she has all bundled up within her little self,

then I know I will be just fine when it comes to my future family.

She is a great partner to my Daddy and they just fit together.

She is a servant with a willing heart and ready to go wherever the Lord leads her and my Dad.

She's the complete package.

Thank you for loving me and being my Moma.

You had a choice and you chose to accept not only the handsome man (that is my daddy)

but to accept his three snotty nosed children

and to raise them as your own.

Thank you for not running to the hills to get away from us. :)

Thank you for not being the dreaded "red-headed stepmother."

(even if you did bop me in the head with a breadpan once

and made me put my nose against the wall....I know I deserved it at the time.)

As I've said many times, any woman can be a mother....but it takes one of a kind to be a Moma.

I LOVE YOU MOMA!

I know I've not even begun to touch the tip of the iceburg that is your life and what you mean to me.  But I hope that this has given you an idea.

Words can never express how PROUD I am

to be your DAUGHTER!

Happy Birthday Mom!

You've always taught me to be a hard worker.  Moma & Lucas hauling wood.



McKenzie and Moma riding Thomas the Trian.



Mom with the grandbabies at a fireside bible devotion.

My Moma, My Daddy and Me!

Moma and Daddy with Grandbabies at Nancy's graduation.

Moma and Daddy with Nancy after WCU graduation.

Schmaltzy Sunday

I am interrupting my own Schmaltzy Sunday schedule because I've had a heavy heart today. 

Christmas 2008

My Dearest, Mamaw, Papaw and Yours Truly

First of all, I am thankful that the Lord has saved my soul and that He sent His Son to die on the cross so that I could have eternal life. This affords me comfort in knowing that I will see my loved ones again in Glory.

I spent my afternoon at Papaw and Mamaw's house today.  As you may recall from last week's post, my Papaw isn't in the best of health right now.   As I was at their house today, I was forcing my brain to act as a sponge and really let the conversation soak into my mind.  I want to remember this time.  I want to look back and reflect on it. 

Although Papaw didn't know who I was or that I was even at the house to visit, I still had an enjoyable time with Mamaw.  Last week while visiting, there were several family members and friends who stopped by to visit.  However today, it was just Mamaw and me.  I loved it, definitely a moment I will cherish.  We sat at her kitchen table drinking coffee and talking about flowers, gardening, being girly (I'm more the girly one than she is, she's perfectly simple) and how a marriage should be 50/50 in effort and how you should always give and take. 

Earlier in my visit, Mamaw had made mention that even though Papaw was in the next room sleeping, she felt as if she was living alone.  She actually stated that she felt that "...The Good Lord is preparing me for what is to come."  This is something about that has stuck with me all day.  It keeps repeating in my mind, my heart breaks for her. 

I can't help but wonder what she will do after Papaw has taken his first breath in the presence of His Lord and leaves her behind?  I know that she will be OK.  She has a huge family and a church family all of whom will be by her side.  She has her quilting and gardening hobbies to keep her busy as well.  But its the time after everyone else has gone home and she's caught up on her quilting and gardening....when she's sitting at home alone listening to the radio with only her thoughts to keep her company that breaks my heart.  

There isn't a thing in this world that I would give for the time I spent today with Mamaw and Papaw.  I want to ask again that everyone please keep my Papaw in your prayers.  He is not doing well at all, he has lived a long and full life, but it is heartbreaking to see him slipping away so quickly.  In addition to Papaw, please keep Mamaw in your prayers too.  She's been the primary caregiver and is to the point where outside assistance is necessary to aid with Papaw.  She's slowly watching her husband of 64.8 years slipping away from her.  Pray for peace, for comfort, for understanding. 

Schmaltzy Sunday

I was going to write about my mom today. However, after spending the afternoon with my papaw, who is in failing health. I decided that I should write about him. (Sorry Moma, next week.)

On June 28, 1915, Grady Montgomery Holland was born to Jerry & Hettie Holland, farmers and gardeners and "folks that took care of what they had."  World War 1 had been well underway as it began in 1914, with three years left to go. Woodrow Wilson was President.

Growing up in Franklin, life was slow, but hard.  In a world of farming, gardening and manual labor, there was always something for Papaw and his five siblings to do around the house.  In 1929, life got even harder. The stock market crashed which led the nation and eventually the world into what we know as The Great Depression.  Papaw was 14.  The nation emerges from the Depression in 1939.  But its celebration was short lived as Hitler invaded Poland, thus the beginnings of World War II.  Papaw was 24.

In 1942, Papaw was drafted to serve in WWII.  He trained at Fort Benning then he was able to come back to Franklin for a 30-day furlow.  It was 1943.  While he was home, he met a man who invited him over for supper and to "make music" at his house.  Papaw went and met Betty Stewman, one of man's daughters.  (She is now referred to as Mamaw.)  At the end of the month, Papaw went to New York where he and his fellow soldiers sailed to England, a sail of 21 days.

While in the Army, Papaw was a sharp-shooter.  His friend, Cotton, was the driver of his tank.  They were best friends while serving.  We all have heard many stories of their friendship, camaraderie and mischief. Cotton is a familiar name in Papaw's house.  Papaw served in Germany from 1942-1945 when the war ended.

Papaw & Mamaw got married after the war, they moved around to here and there, and settled into Franklin to begin their family.  Together they have four children: Daddy, Randy, Marianna, & Jesse and their family has continued to grow.  Papaw & Mamaw have 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, all because two people fell in love. We are all thankful for the investment that these two have poured into the life of our family. To us, they are our Legacy.

Throughout his 95.5 years, Papaw has seen 22 different men take the office of the President of the United States (16 of which he was able to vote.)

Recently, on Veteran's Day 2010, Papaw was presented with his medal he had earned while in service.

After WWII, Papaw had the option of staying longer to receive his medals or to go home. As many others, he opted to go home, to see his family and live a civilian life.   Finally, 64 years later, Papaw was presented with five medals. He was presented with the flag that had flown over the State Capitol on behalf of the North Carolina State Congressman, Heath Shuler.

Several of our family were able to make it and watch on as Papaw accepted his medals and flag. It was a proud moment to be able to watch the man who has invested into all of us in so many ways receive something that is to be valued, appreciated, and respected.

Today, Papaw is in failing health.  Matt and I had a visit with him this afternoon.  He was doing relatively well considering he is 95 years old, but since Christmas he has really gone down hill.  He is pretty much bedridden at this time and it looks as if Hospice will be coming in this week to help Mamaw with the lifting, moving around, etc that Mamaw is struggling to do on her own.  I know it is only a matter of time as to when Papaw will be taking his last breath here on earth and his first in the presence of our Lord.  But in the meantime, any prayers for his comfort and Mamaw's strength would greatly be appreciated. 

As a family, we are so proud of Papaw, regardless to what he is to each of us: Husband, Daddy, Papaw.

A couple years ago on a trip to the top of the mountain.

Papaw and I at Nancy & Brandon's Bridal Shower

Papaw and Mamaw at Nancy's wedding.

Veteran's Day about 3-4 years ago.

Veteran's Day 2010

Mom & Papaw

Papaw and I at the Parade

Obviously, this is Papaw's 93rd Birthday cake.

(That's Mamaw & Papaw's picture when they were younger on the Right.)

(I must give credit to my sister, Nancy, for the majority of this post.  Nancy already had Papaw's life chronicled on her blog, so I borrowed from her.  You may see her posts here.)

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(Schmaltzy Sunday is where I write with "cheesy sentiment" about a person, place or thing that means a whole-heck-of-a-bunch to me. More than likely this person, place or thing has helped to mold me into the person I am today. To find out more on what Schmaltzy Sundays are about, read this post. )

Schmaltzy Sunday

Yours Truly, Moma & Daddy

Today's cheesy sentiment is devoted to Gary Holland, I like to call him Daddy.  

[Oh good gracious, my eyes welled up when I typed out the first sentence!  I have a strong feeling that this is going to be the case when I write my Schmaltzy Sunday posts.  Note to self:  1) write when no one else is around, 2) keep a box of Kleenex handy.]

I know that I will never give an accurate description of my daddy; for who he is, what he stands for, and the strong foundation where he is firmly planted.  But if I can give a slight glimpse of what he is to me, I know in my heart that you too will think he's just as wonderful as I do. 

Gary was the firstborn son to a miner and a homemaker in the early 50's.   He grew up in the mountains of North Carolina where he went to school and worked to help his family. 

Sometime in the mid 70's he met an outgoing city girl named Nancy with whom he fell in love.  In 1977, Gary and Nancy were married.   They built a great little home nestled in Eden Valley where they started their family.  In 1979 they welcomed a little boy, named David.  In 1981, they welcome their first daughter, Yours Truly.  Then in 1984, Gary welcomed another daughter, Nancy.   (Being that I was born by this time, I will now refer to Gary as Daddy.)  Not only was Daddy celebrating a new life into his family, he was also mourning the death of his wife, who died during child birth. 

During this time, Daddy was working as a Sheriff's deputy.  He was doing a fine job of taking care of his home and three children with the help of family and friends.  While working as a deputy, he met a snazzy little redhead who worked for the County, enter Edith.  In 1987, Daddy and Edith's sparks of interest turned into a marriage. 

By now, Daddy had left the Sheriff's Department and went into business for himself as a rock mason.  For the next 20+ years he had his own business building foundations and turning hard cold stones into masterpieces.  

In the mid-90's, Daddy had an opportunity to assist with drilling as well in Honduras with a team from Western NC.  After spending countless hours in prayer, he felt led to go.  Thus started a missions wildfire in our home.  Thank you Lord!

Since the 90's Daddy has led, participated, and prayed for countless mission trips to Honduras and Alaska to build churches, Sunday School rooms, soup kitchens, etc.  He has also been an active member of the NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief where he has responded to countless natural disasters throughout NC and other states where he has gutted homes, cut brush, fed the ones who lost homes, etc. 

In 2005, Daddy and Moma (Edith) were called to Gulfport, MS along with two other couples, to lead in the clean-up project after Hurricane Katrina.  They spent the next 28 months aiding in the rebuilding/repairing of over 700 homes and touched many lives --- all in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

In August 2006, while Daddy and Moma were still in Gulfport serving the Lord, they welcomed their granddaughter, David's first child, into the world.  Less than 5 weeks later, they were mourning the death of David who unexpectedly passed away. 

I've given this brief history to say this: over the last 26 years, regardless of whether Daddy was celebrating birthdays, a win for a ball team, a child accepting Christ as their Savior, a baptism, graduations, marriages, anniversaries, new grandchildren OR whether Daddy was mourning in the loss of loved ones, a hard time in life in general -- REGARDLESS, he ALWAYS thanked the Lord for the blessings He has bestowed upon him, and rejoiced in knowing that He will always meet his needs and He will never forsake him.

I'm sure that some of Daddy's greying hair is partly due to raising me, I was one of four, so I'm not taking all the blame.  Plus, I like to think that I was "the good child"  hahaha.  I will cop to the fact that I'm sure I made parenting difficult at some point.  

Daddy has taught me so many different things, particularly:  to be a hard worker, be thankful for things I have, work for the things I want but don't need, thank the Lord in the good times and bad, to give back to others who may be less fortunate than myself.    He's been my go-to with any math or word problem I've ever had or will have....he's smart like that.  He's taught me to drive a car, swim, and how to wash dried scrambled eggs from pans he brought back from the deer camp. 

He has tried to teach me to drive a stick shift, how to throw a softball and to get in position for batting.  He was not successful.  However, I believe it was more of the student's fault than his. 

I believe that my Daddy is the perfect example of a Servant of the Lord. My prayer is that my (future) husband will be the mighty fortress and foundation of the family as my Daddy has been in my life.   One thing that I hope to show to my family, friends, coworkers, and the random stranger is that if I am only 10% of the Godly Christian (wo)man that my Daddy is, then I know I will make a difference in someones life; maybe even be a blessing to someone.

I don't care what anyone says, my Daddy ROCKS MY SOCKS OFF!

back row:  Yours Truly, Brandon (BIL), Natasha (SIL), Nancy

front row:  Moma (holding McKenzie), Daddy (holding Lucas)

Day out with Thomas.  Daddy, Lucas, McKenzie & Moma

Nancy's wedding day.  Lucas and Daddy

In Gulfport for a visit, McKenzie and Daddy

Nancy & Brandon's luau Wedding Shower, Lucas, Moma, McKenzie & Daddy

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(Schmaltzy Sunday is where I write with "cheesy sentiment" about a person, place or thing that means a whole-heck-of-a-bunch to me.  More than likely this person, place or thing has helped to mold me into the person I am today.  To find out more on what Schmaltzy Sundays are about, read this post. )