Hunger Pangs

 September 20, 2020

Ninety-eight years ago today, she made her entrance into this wonderfully amazing world. It was a world bright with promise—the Roaring Twenties. Hers was not the society of the Great Gadsby, but the Great War was over, her father was home from his time in the Navy, and life was good. Seven years later on October 28, it would all come crashing down. The Great Depression was underway, and this seven-year old was caught in its throes. By then, she had a younger sister, and her parents would often go to bed hungry so she and her sister could have something to eat. Finally, unable to feed them both, she was sent to her grandparents’ farm where at least there would be food.

A seven year old child cannot understand her parents’ anguished choice, necessitated by forces beyond their control, and though well fed, the hunger in her soul brought pangs that would never completely be satisfied. Years later, she tearfully recalled those years and the feelings of abandonment she felt. 

Life improved, she found love, married, raised a family, and has left a heritage of faith and faithfulness that continues to bless. Ninety-eight years is a lot of living; she has seen how prosperity and comfort can vanish almost overnight. Things taken for granted can be taken from us, but though as St. John said, “this world is fading away,” (1 John 2:17), we have an anchor for the soul in Jesus Christ, who is “the same, yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). 

We are seeing the life we knew suddenly and violently taken from us. That which seemed so solid and secure is indeed, fading away. I for one, have too often clung to it with a loyalty it doesn’t deserve, and need to learn the lesson my mother had to learn as a little girl. This too, will pass, but the Word of the Lord is forever. Thank you, mom, for teaching me that, not only by your words, but by your very life.