June 17, 2014
In Honor
of
Mother Itaska Jackson
July 13, 1929 -June 7, 2014
My Dearest Friend Trice, Mr. Jackson, and Family,
Itaska, better known as Trice, is one of my
oldest and dearest friends. We lived next door to each other in Kinloch,
Missouri. My fondest memories are of us playing house in the backyard all
morning and afternoon. We baked cakes of mud and cooked many pots of greens and
ham hocks with dandelions and rocks. At
that time in our make believe world, we did not know we were simulating
qualities of our mothers for both our mothers were homemakers. We had no idea
that those characteristics of our mothers would be the qualities we fall back
on throughout our adult lives.
I remember your mother, Ms. Task, as we
called her in the neighborhood as being loving, sincere, and a Godly mother. A
Godly mother shares a special relationship with God. Most of
the time when I saw your mother, she was either coming from the grocery store
or from church on Sunday. I always received a pleasant smile and greeting. I never remember hearing her raise her
voice. Every once in a while, I would
hear one of the boys getting a spanking and pray you guys didn’t hear me the
day before when I got my spanking. Children can spot counterfeit spirituality
faster than adults. I am witness to the fact that your mother invested time to
build her walk with Christ. She was the real deal!
I pray the love of God enfolds you during
this difficult time. It is never easy to lose a parent, no matter your age. I
pray for your peace and comfort as you and your family continue your life
journey without your mother’s earthly presence. May God’s peace be with you. Cherish
the memories you have created with your mother. I will always remember her for
her caring and loving nature.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and
saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Sincerely your friend,
Shelly (Nola Lee) and the Cothran Family
