Mommaw, her sister, Ruby, and their husbands together with several other Saints of God founded Gospel Mission, which later became Life Tabernacle. Rev. Joe K. Ballard was the pastor until my dad, Charles F. Plake, became pastor in the late 1950s.On April 1, 1959, Mommaw became my step mother. My dad "eloped" with Elmeta Plake to be married in Prescott, Arizona. It is my understanding that the two of them asked Loleen, my sister, and Linda, Mommaw's daughter who that day became my step-sister, as witnesses so that people didn't think that it was an April fool's joke.
Mommaw had the memory of an elephant and would argue with anyone who challenged her memory. My Dad always said that Mommaw would argue with a sign post. I brought this to her attention on a couple of occasions. She agreed with a smile confirming my comments.She was an easy person to get along with. Mommaw, Bob Jones and I traveled on Amtrak to San Antonio to attend Becky Courade-DeFossett's wedding and a CFPlakeFamily Reunion.
It was Mommaw's first and last train trip. We arrived in San Antonio five hours late--not bad for Amtrak. But the return trip took 48 hours, which I believe is an Amtrak record.We did not complete the trip by train. Amtrak flew us from El Paso to Tucson to retrieve our car.
You would think that an 86 year old lady would be uncomfortable. If she was, we didn't know it. Mommaw did not complain the whole trip. In fact, she comforted Bob and me. She kept quoting her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."Mommaw had a long life, but she wanted to outlive her sister Ruby, who lived almost 99 years. Mommaw lived for ninety wonderful years.
Much kudos to Rachel for organizing a party that celebrated her life on her 90th birthday, September 23. And thanks to the members of Life Tabernacle who attended the celebration. Mommaw appreciated it too. She talked about it each time that I visited her afterwards.
At the gathering, I proposed a toast to Mommaw's long life and concluded by saying, "And may she live another ninety years."Mommaw responded by saying, "That's a long time."
Below is one of Mommaw's favorite songs that my Dad sang, entitled, Time Has Made a Change in Me by Harkins Freye.
1. Time has made a change since my childhood days;
Many of my friends have gone away,
Some I never more in this life will see
Time has made a change in me.
Chorus:
Time has made a change in the old home place;
Time has made a change in each smiling face,
And I know my friends can plainly see
Time has made a change in me.
2. In my childhood days, I was well and strong
I could climb the hillside all day long,
I am not today what I used to be
Time has made a change in me.
3. When I reach my home in that land somewhere,
With my friends who wait to meet me over there,
Free from pain and care I'll forever be,
Time has made a change in me.
Mommaw, I love you and will always have an album of your memories impressed in my mind.
