There is one woman who has influenced my life since the moment I came into this world and one woman who taught me huge lessons. Not only me, but the Mercer family and anyone who crossed her path. She experienced heartache and pain, she taught "tough" kids, she outlived her youngest child, became a widow suddenly and tragically at a young age, she saw death of people she loved probably more than any other human, and she saw unfairness and injustice... but she never gave excuses or blamed, instead she fought with the only weapons that can overcome the evil of this world...
This amazing and humble woman who was admired by many in any location that she lived rarely said a cross word or raised a voice, but when the time was right to stand up she stood on the solid rock. She was strong and courageous even in a weak and failing body. She loved others in a way that showed a bright light even to her last breaths, as the Hospice woman came to be inspired by this little lady. She understood the valuable things in life and she understood boundaries even when she could see those close to her making mistakes. She never gave up on anyone, but she knew when and where to draw the boundaries to protect herself and enable her to keep loving the individual. She passed onto me the REAL meaning of not only Christmas, but also of life, the three F's...
Truth & Love
FAITH FAMILY FRIENDS
This time of year causes many to get carried away in finding the "perfect" gifts, spending beyond their means, stressing over things that mean nothing in the grand scheme of life. So take a moment to stop and pause and remember the real meaning of this special season of love... Faith, Family, and Friends. When the season is over and we ring in a new year make sure that the memories you created and the bonds you strengthen around the table this Christmas season will lift you when you walk through the mountains and valleys of the coming year.
"One box is more than enough."
 "I also dedicate this work to my beloved grandmother. Grandma Lois, your guidance has been passed on through the Mercers. You are humble, kind, understanding, praising, and encouraging. The look that comes over your beautiful, wise face when you do not agree with my thoughts or decisions is priceless. Without a word, you let me know when I need to rethink an idea or an opinion, and you are almost always right! You were born in 1910, decades ago, and you are still making a difference in my life and the lives of my four children. Years ago, I gave you two boxes for Christmas, Grandma. Those boxes contained nothing elaborate--just simple, inexpensive angels for you to display in your home. Before you opened those trinkets, you said, "One box is more than enough." Perhaps you were right, for I know that you are one package that continues to deliver each day. I still have a simple index card you wrote and eventually passed on to me, a treasure of wisdom and frequent reminder: "Grace is giving to you what you don't deserve. Mercy is withholding that which you do deserve." Grandma, at my wedding you surprised me, and I surprised you at your 100th birthday celebration. I treasure in my heart the memories we've made together over the years, especially when you took me to buy Christmas presents for my mom, dad, and brothers and to pick out my pumpkin at the orchard. Distance has never separated our hearts. In fact, nothing ever will."  Excerpt from the dedication of My Father's Table by author Denise Mercer Blackwell
| My grandma, Lois Etta Mercer proudly standing beside me at my college graduation from Ferris State University. It was 1997 and I only recently realized that this beautiful woman beside me was 87 in this picture. She traveled hours to be there, walked the distance, climbed the bleachers and embraced a long day to stand by my side. I always knew she was incredible, but to understand that at nearly 90 years old she was still accomplishing everything she wanted in a day and that she continued for another 13 years. All of us Mercer's and many others have been impressed by the woman she was and I can pass on a couple of her secrets... she took care of herself, she filled her daily plate with what was important to her, she didn't sweat the small stuff, she was not consumed with "stuff" but a collector of people and memories and most of all she trusted and believed in her higher power that worked through her life. She went home after proudly serving her time here on earth as a trusted and faithful servant at the age of 103.  Merry Christmas to my "Sky Full of Angels Watching Over Me". My dad and Grandma at her 100th birthday celebration in Lenexa, Kansas.  Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us! We look forward to an amazing 2015 as we continue working behind the scenes... stay tuned and see ya soon! |
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