As I sat down at my laptop on the eve of a very special birthday remembrance, I found myself searching for just the right words.  You see, September 25th marks the birthday of my precious mother-in-law…second mom, Joyce Pedigo.  This will be our first year to remember her special day without her vibrant personality filling the air. 

I truly am overwhelmed as I try to put into words what she will always mean to me, and how she impacted my life.  Words such as best friend, mentor, prayer warrior / partner, cheerleader, encourager, inspirer, teacher, listener, comforter, MeeMaw to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the list could go on and on.  Little did I realize, when her son, Terry Pedigo, asked me to be his wife, not only would I be blessed with a wonderful husband, but also with an amazing “second mom”. 

She accepted me as a part of the Pedigo family, even before I actually officially became a Pedigo. I met Terry at the young age of 14, so was very blessed to be a part of Joyce’s world for many years. Through those years she taught me so many valuable lessons such as the true meaning of unconditional love…to count every day as a gift…look at the glass as half full…when life hands you lemons, make lemonade…embrace all the little things as well as the big…live life to the fullest…never give up…always trust God, in ALL things…love for our country and our church…and again the list could go on and on.

Joyce always embraced each and every family member and a host of friends (she never met a stranger) with a love that can be hard to find in this busy world. She never missed an opportunity to reach out to those in need, many times offering a prayer, followed by a thoughtful handwritten note, sometimes accompanied by fresh cut flowers from her garden. Her delicious homemade rolls were sought after by many.  She often told those hinting to her that they would love some of her special rolls, that they were reserved for the “sick and afflicted”.  Then, quite often it was amazing how suddenly those hinting were “hit hard” by some sort of mysterious “ailment”.  That always touched her heart and left her with a smile.

MeeMaw was certainly the type of grandmother that every child should be blessed to claim.  She loved each of her 6 grandchildren and then their children with every ounce of her being.  Holidays and family outings were always made extra special when MeeMaw planned them.  Trips to the creek near Pedigo Hill...Easter egg decorating and then the hunt...picnics with horseback rides included...always reading the Christmas story from God's word before a gift was to be opened...or just a cozy night at MeeMaw and PeePaw's house, made for precious memories, indeed.  And I would be remiss if I did not mention that MeeMaw’s journeys often included unexpected excursions along the way…always made fun and exciting no matter what that unexpected adventure might be.

To say that Joyce Pedigo aka MeeMaw, is missed by many and will be especially missed on September 25^th, HER day, is quite an understatement.  What an extraordinary lady she was and still is in the hearts of so many who love her.  I am so very thankful to call her my mother-in-law…second mom, and can only hope and pray to someday be half the woman she was.  

Happy Birthday, Joyce…MeeMaw!  I feel sure there will be quite a celebration in Heaven on this, your special day! You are so loved!!! 

September 25, 2014