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Florence Betty (Soderberg) Brock (1917-2008)
My mother passed into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ yesterday,
August 26. God was as gracious and merciful to her in her departure for
heaven as He was in her life. As she grew in the Lord and matured in her
spiritual life, she realized more and more that all she was and all she had
in life, whether it be the things or more importantly the people, she owed
it all to the goodness of God. She left a rich legacy of character,
submission, and love for the Lord, for family, for the church, and for her
friends. Her life’s testimony will be a challenge for all of us remaining to
follow in her steps.
The following was written for an Ironwood Dispatch article in 2002, and I
thought it be appropriate to share it with you again. Thank you for your
prayers and remembrances of love.
My Mother
From Your Son, Walt Brock
Let me take just a few minutes of your time and tell you about my
mother. You would think that describing one’s mother would be easy, but
where do you start? My earliest recollections are just brief bits and
pieces of remembrance. I remember her moving quickly about the house with an
apron on, helping me get on or off a tricycle, finding me on top of the
backyard fence just before I made my escape, and taking me to deliver a cake
or some kind of food to a neighbor. A little while after that, I remember
her being sick for a while and my sitting on the edge of her bed running my
toy cars and trucks up and down her legs asking all kinds of questions. Mom
was always a good talker, but a good question-asker as well. As a teen I
remember her being a great cook and very hospitable. We always seemed to
have friends, family, or church folks over to the house for a little
something to eat, which, of course, was never really little!
I never had a doubt in my mind as to whether or not I could do anything I
set out to do. I believe that much of that attitude came from my mother’s
talks with me and the positive upbeat attitude and confidence that she
worked at instilling in me. Many times I can remember her talking to me as
only a mother can, saying what a good looking boy I was, how smart I was,
and praising my abilities (however small they were, to her they were
wonderful).
One of the absolute characteristics of Mom was that she loved my dad totally
as he loved her. They were a complete couple together and never quite
complete when they were apart. Except for hospital stays, I can only
remember one time when they were apart overnight and that was when my dad
drove to Texas and back with his brothers for Grandpa Brock’s funeral. Mom
and Dad always had a kind word, a kiss, and a hug for each other. They were
quite simply in love, and it showed!
Later, as my brother and I grew up, it became apparent that Mom was also a
worry-wart with a heavenly outlook. This was a strange combination. Looking
back on it, I don’t believe it was an evidence of a lack of faith in God; it
was just an active imagination applied to the possibilities. When she
finally did give a situation over to the Lord, she had no problem trusting
God to work His loving will in our lives.
Her example to us in the areas of character was without a doubt extremely
positive. She had a phenomenally balanced work ethic, helping Dad at work
(he had his own business), keeping a clean and neat home (without being so
picky two boys couldn’t breathe), teaching Sunday school and junior church,
and always having some time for her boys. She did not have a “big wanter”;
her view of money and its use has truly amazed me. She could stretch a pound
of hamburger into more meals than seemed possible, she was content with
Dad’s job and income, and she was very supportive of Dad’s generous giving
to the Lord at church. If a trip went over a mealtime, she packed a
meal. There was no wasted money spent on fast foods when a homemade sandwich
would fill the tummy for about 25% of the cost. You know, I think she still
does that today, at 85, when they go to town over a mealtime.
Well, that’s Mom. She loves me, but she loves Dad more. I love her, but she
allows me to love my wife more. A boy couldn’t ask for a better mother. I
trust your sons and daughters will be able to say the same about you one day
down the long years ahead when they look back and say, “Let me take just a
few minutes and tell you about my mother!”
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