A mighty legacy

Thursday was a bitter-sweet day. Mum and Max's home was sold. The real estate agent asked us to come and put up the SOLD sign and pose for a picture. Apart from feeling camera shy, I had mixed feelings about the sale. The sale of this house is the close of the Book of Max and Pat Stagg. 

This was a book that was chock full of chapters of love in marriage, family and home. A place were we all would come to share cups of tea and coffee, bring our newest children and grandchildren, share our laughter and our tears and draw strength from two of loveliest people God put breath in to.

So many were nurtured under this roof, both adult and young. Lessons were learned in patience and kindness and even in the meaning of life from Max who you always felt was on your side, even as family only by marriage. He treated us all with equity and I can honestly say that I never heard a bad word about anyone pass his lips.

I can't count the cups of tea from the big electric urn that Mum made or count the birthday cakes that Mum made for all of us, our children and hers and Max's grandchildren... Like Max, she treated us all with equity. Mum was always at the kitchen bench or sink, graciously serving all who came through the door. She was a true home maker who also made the best sandwiches ever.

Mum and Max built this house that sold yesterday. All of us blended family of Max and Pat will miss what their house represented. We will miss going in and seeing Max in his armchair and Mum at her sink, her little head barely visible above the kitchen window, looking out to see who was driving up the long driveway. We will miss the gentle advice from Max and the loving concern of Mum. And Tuesday Baby Day complete with Toy Room and large portable cot. I think all of our children and later grandchildren have slept in that cot over the years...

In saying this sale is the end of the book of Max and Mum, perhaps I will be proved wrong. I believe all of us who drew strength from their home will keep that love and direction in our hearts and thoughts. It has changed us forever.

As I feel sadness for no longer being able to enjoy those feelings of love and family in the Stagg home, I feel that both Mum and Max  have done something that is priceless: they made their home a welcoming haven for all who entered that will last for eternity. What a mighty legacy to leave us all.....

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Proverbs 3:33