remembering my ma-maw and pa-paw

My grandmother, better known as my Ma-Maw, was a Reader in a Christian Science Church in Oklahoma when I was a little girl. I fondly remember going to church with her. My cousin and I would go to Sunday School and then we'd join my grandfather, better known as my Pa-Paw, for the "lesson" in the big church. I'd sit in the pew of this very simple, sun-filled, white church and watch my Ma-Maw as she read the lessons to the church, either lessons from Mary Baker Eddy's "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" or from the Bible. The Christian Science Church does not have a minister. All of the lessons are taught and read by the Readers, so my Ma-Maw's role as a Reader was important. Although she has not been a Reader in a church for a long time, she remains a Christian Science Practitioner.

Yesterday, for the first time, I was the "Worship Assistant" for my church, First Parish in Framingham, in my minister's absence. Although I've been trying to severely cut back on my volunteer commitments lately and the idea of leading a church service made me nervous, when your minister asks you to do something, it is really hard to say no. This was another opportunity that was new and challenging and that would take me out of my comfort zone. As I stood at the lectern and spoke in a church that is physically very similar to the church I went to with my Ma-Maw when I was younger, I remembered her, I felt her presence, I breathed in and was more relaxed. I am grateful that I pushed through my reluctance and fear and took advantage of this opportunity. I was rewarded with pleasant memories of and a different connection to my Ma-Maw and with new connections with my church and church members.      

Holding my Ma-Maw's hand | Tulsa, OK | October 2012

My Pa-Paw was a World War II Veteran who served in the Navy. He died on my 15th birthday. I'm thinking of him today - Memorial Day. Below is a photo of one of his flags and Navy cookbooks. 

My Pa-Paw's flag and Navy cookbook | Framingham, MA | Memorial Day 2013