Last week was Mrs. Uilkie’s birthday – March 23, but we didn’t have a party, we didn’t need to buy a gift or flowers. She went to be with her Lord last October. If you are a listener to our podcast, catholicfamilypodcast, you’ve heard us talk about Mrs. Uilkie. We did a few simple things for her – drove her to Mass, took her bottles of water, gave her some of our latest homemade concoctions, and visited her as much as we could which wasn’t nearly enough. She, on the other hand, did tremendous things for us. She prayed the rosary daily for us, for many other people that she loved, and for some that she didn’t even know. She watched EWTN constantly so that she could “attend” daily Mass, although she longed for the Eucharist on a daily basis as well. We did Corporal Works of Mercy for her, but she provided Spiritual Works of Mercy for us. I think we got the better end of the deal.
Mrs. Uilkie LOVED Mattie Claire. She was so excited when we told her that we were having another baby. She watched as I got huge and couldn’t wait for the day that the baby was to be born. Mattie Claire’s first visit other than Mass was to Mrs. Uilkie’s house. She hugged and kissed on that baby and was so excited for the visit. On Mattie Claire’s first birthday she surprised us with a little party. We had cake, punch, ice cream, presents, and lots of laughs. Mattie Claire was only 15 months old when Mrs. Uilkie died. It makes my heart ache that Mattie Claire will never know the lady who loved her so much and who prayed for her daily. I’m sorry for Mattie Claire, but I’m happy for Mrs. Uilkie. Our ultimate goal is to get to Heaven and I’m am 110% sure that Mrs. Uilkie is there. It makes me so happy that she is able to be with God. She yearned for this day just as we all should. But I sure would have liked for Mattie Claire to have gotten to know her – to see a person who loved the Lord with all her mind, with all her soul, with all her being. I guess that’s my job now. I need to be the person that my children see loving the Lord with all my heart, mind, and soul, but I sure have some big shoes to fill. We love you, Mrs. Uilkie!
I’m sure that Mattie Claire will hear the stories and see the photos of Mrs. Uilkie and know about her love through your own actions over her lifetime. What a sweet tribute.
Congrats, Shelly on the news!
This brought tears to my eyes!! David & Allyson, you are the most genuinely nice people in the world with such wonderful children. I am so glad you were a part in Mom’s life and she is yours. Yes, she did love her Miss Mattie Claire and how she loved her visits. Now we have an angel watching over us! Thanks again for your most kind words. Love ya’ll!
Allyson, what a wonderful remembrance, and tribute to Mrs. Uilkie. I know from all the times you mentioned her on your podcasts, that she was a very special person in your life. It is sad that Mattie Claire will not grow up knowing her – in person that is, but she’ll definitely know her from all the wonderful memories you share with her, and the pictures you can show her.