To Elizabeth Gray Wells
Oct. 28, 1911-Sept. 29, 2012
Blessed were you, Mother, for you did not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But your delight was in the law of the Lord, and on his law you meditated day and night.
You were like a tree planted by streams of water, which yielded its fruit in season and whose leaf did not wither.
Whatever you did prospered.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous.
Your husband had full confidence in you and lacked nothing of value.
You brought him good, not harm, all the days of your life.
You were clothed in strength and dignity; you laughed at the days to come.
You spoke with wisdom, and faithful instruction was on your tongue.
You watched over the affairs of your household and did not eat the bread of idleness.
Many women do noble things, but you surpassed them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
(Adapted from Psalm 1, Proverbs 31)