Mother’s Day Week: Day 4.
As I continue my series, there are so many that I want to write about but of whom I will not be able to write about.
But, there is one mother, one woman, who I must write about because she has impacted my life simply through memory. Talk about fruit? Miss Norma Hoch, a precious lady indeed. I know relatively little about her, but I know that she meant the world to her husband of many years, Thornley. Thornley of course is the elderly man that I have lived with in Houston for 18 months or so. It was because of her compassion and care that he chose to open his house to me when I sorely needed it. It was because of her missing incredible presence that I was invited in as companion, partner and friend into Thornley’s house.
By the way, if you don’t know her, you are missing something special. From what I hear, she loved adventure- her trips with Thornley to Italy and England were so memorable that Thornley has old videos and pictures that bring wildly contented smiles at sight. She loved healthy eating, which is why during al my time, Thornley smirkingly asks to go to get pizza and a “two fisted” burger and barbeque often. Norma’s presence was gentle and sweet. When I have seen great compassion and kindness on the part of Thornley, it is usually attributed to this special woman. When Thornley sends birthday cards every week to people at church, it stems from his special relationship with this woman. This woman that I don’t know. But I see her picture in the house, I see the precious and contented smile on his face, I feel the compassion and playfulness of her life.
She is like the woman from the movie Up, Ellie, just as he is very much like that old man in the movie. And luckily, I happen to be the recipient, like the Boy Scout, of much of that man’s love, love dotted and indelibly formed in the legacy of Ellie. I have received great love, love that has been shaped and encouraged by the presence and legacy of this wonderful lady, Norma Hoch. She is a memory, one I haven’t met. But I certainly have met her. And she certainly has changed my life.
Ordinary Treasures 