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My Mother's Keeper
The bond between a mother and daughter begins in the womb, as the mother and her child develop an eternal love from pregnancy into adulthood.
Dr. Sheila Williams remembers her childhood and had a different relationship with her mother, Mattie Williams. Childhood secrets and clinical depression, led Mattie to speak very little and feel as though she didn’t measure up to others, or as a mother.
In her new autobiography, My Mother’s Keeper, Sheila recalls the woman of God that her mother was, revealed in several poignant moments during her life.
She was quiet, even at times she was quiet at home with her own family. As a young child, I didn’t understand her silence, but as I got older…..I came to know….her looks, her stares, her quietness, and her silence, all had meaning.
Mattie was later diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, prompting Sheila to put her life on hold to become her mother’s primary caregiver. These experiences taught Sheila perseverance, compassion and how to rely on God no matter what. Ultimately, she learned how to be a Proverbs 31 woman from the woman who taught her to love despite the obstacles.
‘A delicate flower that blossomed in season, she [Mattie] graciously wilted until her time was no more. I am blessed to be the seed of her of existence.’
Dr. Sheila Williams remembers her childhood and had a different relationship with her mother, Mattie Williams. Childhood secrets and clinical depression, led Mattie to speak very little and feel as though she didn’t measure up to others, or as a mother.
In her new autobiography, My Mother’s Keeper, Sheila recalls the woman of God that her mother was, revealed in several poignant moments during her life.
She was quiet, even at times she was quiet at home with her own family. As a young child, I didn’t understand her silence, but as I got older…..I came to know….her looks, her stares, her quietness, and her silence, all had meaning.
Mattie was later diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, prompting Sheila to put her life on hold to become her mother’s primary caregiver. These experiences taught Sheila perseverance, compassion and how to rely on God no matter what. Ultimately, she learned how to be a Proverbs 31 woman from the woman who taught her to love despite the obstacles.
‘A delicate flower that blossomed in season, she [Mattie] graciously wilted until her time was no more. I am blessed to be the seed of her of existence.’
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 31, 2020
This account of the daughter caring for her mother should have been beautiful. but the beauty is tarnished by the sad resentfulness that takes over the second half of the book, as the author focuses as much, if not more, on the sister who was hateful and selfish. Even though it's significant, it detracts from the mother-daughter bond the author has. The resentment is so apparent, to the extent its ever-so apparent that the forgiveness the author alluded to is so unlike the forgiveness Jesus has for us. Having been through something quite similar in caring for my mother and treasuring a precious closeness, I'd hoped this book was a sort of ally, but the way it's written leaves me feeling hugely fortunate for a loving family unit to help care for my mother and address each other's needs. I can't wholly appreciate the author's circumstances, however as far as the book goes a) too heavily critical of her siblings; b) repetitious in parts making for only a basic understanding of who her mother was, c) sort of reads like the eulogy the author wishes she gave at her mum's funeral to spite her siblings.
I'm not denying the utter sadness, difficulty and 'life on pause' the author has experienced, but the account is... disappointing in its execution. I'd rather have heard about the things she and her mum talked about, and humorous anecdotes (as humour and joy, I know are often the strength Christian mothers in immense pain hold on to, even as snapshots (Neh 8:10)) rather than the sister and brother being horrible. very frustrating.
As the mother seems so full of love, humility and grace, I'm praying that these are the biggest attributes the daughter accepts as being passed on, as her mother's legacy, and is able to live that way. I can relate to the resilience both mother and daughter (and father) held, and the teamwork required. overall, I don't know if the author wants me to feel sorry for her, but I feel more annoyed with her for missing an opportunity for a better devotion to her mother!
I'm not denying the utter sadness, difficulty and 'life on pause' the author has experienced, but the account is... disappointing in its execution. I'd rather have heard about the things she and her mum talked about, and humorous anecdotes (as humour and joy, I know are often the strength Christian mothers in immense pain hold on to, even as snapshots (Neh 8:10)) rather than the sister and brother being horrible. very frustrating.
As the mother seems so full of love, humility and grace, I'm praying that these are the biggest attributes the daughter accepts as being passed on, as her mother's legacy, and is able to live that way. I can relate to the resilience both mother and daughter (and father) held, and the teamwork required. overall, I don't know if the author wants me to feel sorry for her, but I feel more annoyed with her for missing an opportunity for a better devotion to her mother!
January 2, 2015
Heart warming
This book reminds you of the unbreakable bond a mother has for her children and it reminded me just how much I love and care for my own mother. She has always been there for me, through rough and happy times, and I sometimes take that for granted. I am blessed to have my mother with me still, and this book only amplifies those feelings,we,all have for our own parents.
We dread the day for when we need to let them go, which is why we must take what God gives us, which is time. This book showed the hardships of a woman who sacrificed her childhood and time to care for her best friend.
Not many books make me tear up, but this one hit the heart strings.
If you want to read a book that opens your heart to the love you Beaufort your mother, this is it. Amazing book with a heart warming story and bond that we all can relate.
This book reminds you of the unbreakable bond a mother has for her children and it reminded me just how much I love and care for my own mother. She has always been there for me, through rough and happy times, and I sometimes take that for granted. I am blessed to have my mother with me still, and this book only amplifies those feelings,we,all have for our own parents.
We dread the day for when we need to let them go, which is why we must take what God gives us, which is time. This book showed the hardships of a woman who sacrificed her childhood and time to care for her best friend.
Not many books make me tear up, but this one hit the heart strings.
If you want to read a book that opens your heart to the love you Beaufort your mother, this is it. Amazing book with a heart warming story and bond that we all can relate.
March 26, 2015
Very touching story
This book really tugged at my heart. I couldn't put it down, going through something similar with my mom having dementia, I totally understand the challenges Sheila went through. My heart and my prayers go out to you my friend. Much love and congratulations on this awesome book.
This book really tugged at my heart. I couldn't put it down, going through something similar with my mom having dementia, I totally understand the challenges Sheila went through. My heart and my prayers go out to you my friend. Much love and congratulations on this awesome book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews