St. Busha

My mother-in-law would never write a blog like this. Never in a million years. She is way too private a person, so to bare her soul on any subject matter let alone marriage would be way outside her comfort zone. She would never provide advice, unless you asked for it, and when she did it would probably end with a sweet quiet giggle and an "I don't know." But let me tell you something, I learned so much about marriage from this woman - who today celebrates her 74th birthday - that she never needed to use any words to share it.

If your Jadoosh is reading this, he will probably cry. He'll nod his head in agreement and mention how blessed he is to have Busha in his life. He knows it. We all know it. Barbara is a Proverbs 31 woman. All that you read about a wife of great value in that passage, she is. She works hard for her family, loves them deeply, loves the Lord, is a beautiful helpmate to her husband Tony, cooks like a dream, helps the less fortunate in countless ways, puts everyone ahead of herself, had the greatest toy collection of any grandmother in the world, keeps the neatest house ever (pretty sure she vacuums every day, but like an elf, you never see her do it), she remembers what you love and tries to get it for you. The woman is a saint and we all know it.

And I know you watched her, Ayla, and have learned from her. That is the best kind of learning, isn't it? To observe a person going well in their practice of life. And she is one we all can emulate. I am blessed by the Father to have had her these last 31 years to watch. I know a day does not go by that Anthony Walter Zimanek isn't thanking God in heaven that Barbara Jarmolowicz thought he was practical because he wore rain boots. That she was willing to move into the upstairs apartment of her in-laws to live while her husband went off to school in Madison. That she raised three boys. That she adores her grandchildren and great-grandson with such a sweet passion ... and that they adore her right back.

Ayla has said one of her favorite smells in the world is her grandparents' Zimanek house in Davenport, IA. It's because that house invokes memories for her of a place where she was loved, had fun, was spoiled (but darlingly so), and felt safe. It was a place where you could swim in a two foot pool with your cousins for hours. Where you could paint the whole driveway with buckets of water. Where birds are fed everyday in the backyard. Where jars were filled with Fruit Roll ups, cookies, Gushers and Rice Krispies bars that you could help yourself to. Where mini cheesecakes were always in the refrigerator. And where precious stuffed characters like Curious George and the Berenstain Bears greeted you every morning (yes, we all found the garage sale clown creepy, but Busha said he needed a home).

I honor this woman because I've had years to see that she's is the real deal. She is who God set up as an example of a person of faith. Did you know that when I first met your Daddy, I wrote on a tiny chalkboard in her kitchen "Jill loves Brad" and that she left it there for years? Then apologized to me when one of the grandchildren erased it. Good heavens, I was surprised it survived the day, let alone years! But she cherishes these things. And because of that, I cherish her.

Ayla, you have got quite a legacy to uphold in your grandmother. I see much of her in you, and that brings me joy. We pray that you will remember all you've seen in observation of this sweet soul as you walk through life and enter into marriage. You can have no better role model.

Discussion: Share a memory you have of your Busha. What sticks out to you about her relationship with Jadoosh? What has she taught you about living as a Godly woman?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the souls you have given us to learn from. We thank you for the birth of Barbara Ann and all the many lives she's touched in her 74 years. Father, we pray for continued blessings on her, as she is one who so blesses others. Thank you for her humble heart. In Jesus, Amen.