Many of you have asked where in the world I've been.

All I know is that after 7 plus years of blogging and a different lappy, which I don’t like, I seem to have lost my blogging fervor.

Someday, when you least expect it, I will post again.

For those of you still waiting I say thank you.

Meanwhile, I am rather prolific on twitter. Find me: @KeethaB
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The Eclectic Company - Waitin' on a New Adventure!!
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Saturday, January 2, 2010

Sunday Reruns - Shoes to Fill

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A big thank you to Chari over at Happy to Design for hosting Sunday Favorites.



"The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe"
(First posted 6/30/07)



Once upon a time there was a young woman named Barbara who was raising seven children. As sometimes happens, her sister-in-law became very ill and for a time could no longer care for her three children. Without hesitating, Barbara took her two nieces and one nephew into her brood which then consisted of ten.

While toiling to raise ten children, her father-in-law - Grandpa Mac, rather tongue-in-cheek, dubbed her "The Old Woman in the Shoe." I say tongue-in-cheek since Grandpa Mac was at the time still in the process of raising the last of his own thirteen!!!

Rather than being daunted or insulted by the title, Barbara took it as her own. In fact, she reveled in it. For the rest of her ninety years on this Earth, she built her life around the "shoe" theme. She not only cared for those ten children, but she also gave of her heart to every child whom God sent across her path.

She began to collect small ornamental shoes, tokens of her willingness and ability to extend the borders of her family. Over the years she collected hundreds of them - - - both shoes AND new children for whom to care.

Today Barbara's family gathered to mourn her passing and celebrate her life. She left behind a wonderful legacy of love, some very large shoes to fill, and a collection of tiny shoes!!! Her children asked us to take a shoe from the collection as a memento of her life.

Aunt Barbara, I chose this shoe. I will cherish it always as a reminder of the love you taught us all to share.

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11 comments:

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

What a beautiful and beautifully told story, Keetha! I am sure Aunt Barbara would be so proud.

Treasia Stepp said...

What a beautiful sweet story. Thanks for sharing it.

Maggie said...

Thank you for sharing this lovely story about a wonderful woman.
Maggie

Ann in the UP said...

Aunt Barbara, may you be an inspiration to us all. What a sweet and loving tribute, Keetha!

Erin said...

What a lovely remembrance.

Tonja said...

What a special lady...and how many children are calling her 'blessed."
God has rewarded her richly, I'm sure!

Lori E said...

Thank goodness for Aunt Barbara and those like her in this world.
By chance are you one the the 3 she raised?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like your Aunt Barbara was a wonderful and caring lady. How special it was that you had her in your life.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Lovely story -- how lucky you were to have her in your life. Thanks for sharing.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Girlfriend...

Ahhh...you made me cry, Girlfriend! What a beautiful story and tribute written to your Aunt Barbara!!! Sounds to me that she was a "saint of a woman"!!! I'm sure that her legacy lives on through all the love that she gave to so many!!! Love the pretty little shoe that you chose too!!! So endearing, my friend!!! Thank you for sharing it with us today for Sunday Favorites!!!

Just wanted to take this time to thank you for your faithful support and participation in Sunday Favorites, Keetha! I have really enjoyed all of your posts...sure do appreciate you, my friend!!!

Sending you my warmest wishes and blessings for a fabulous new year!!! I'm looking forward to great things in 2010!!!

Love ya,
Chari @Happy To Design

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

What a warm, loving soul Barbara was. Thank you for sharing with us.
Molly