My name is Diane Krentel Hodge and I am writing this blog to carry on the legacy of the late Miggy Krentel, my Mother. In January, as we sadly put away Mom’s effects, we came across manuscripts and notes of unpublished articles she had written. Some were just ideas, others incomplete works, and others ready for print. They ranged from children’s picture stories, poems, “end of life” musings and much more. All left behind and found in neat green folders for us to discover. A legacy of sorts in print! My wish is to continue this legacy by sharing these treasures with you each week.
Also, from time to time, I will share some of my own writing. Mom passed on not only these manuscripts, but a lot of life messages that had a direct impact in my life and who I am. I saw her acute love for creative story telling and her love of children, young and old. This rubbed off on me. I taught first grade for many years and am the mother of three boys and Grammie for five children. Every now and then, my creative juices flow and I yearn to share with other ideas I discovered that relate to her gift of creativity and zeal for life.
So, who was this woman and how did she affect me as her daughter?
So Much to Share........
Unbreakable Spirit
Over the years, I watched Mom develop character and stand strong to pressures when loosing my sister Martha to crib death and meeting the challenge of having Melissa, born with Down Syndrome. I saw as she took these births and helped make Melmark Home to care for Melissa and help countless others. I saw her come along side me through the loss of my first son from complications of Spina Bifida . I saw her valiantly take care of my dad with Parkinson's. Her unbreakable spirit and strong faith were formed in pressures like these ........the fabric of life.......producing the most beautiful results.. When the “chisel of life” hewn her from a “diamond in the rough” into the most beautiful of diamonds I was watching. I saw the beauty.
Wit and Infectious Ways
Mom had a way of lighting up the day like a bright diamond with her infectious ways and spunky personality. Writing and storytelling were the avenues she took to share all the books she created to make children, young and old, delight in the storyline! Her smile and wit shone clearly through from her early days of being a Storyteller on the television each week......... to the end when she wrote about the aging process. Why she could change an ordinary day into a day with a sparkle! If you knew Mom, you know exactly what I mean. I can hear her say now, ”Put on your best face, honey!” in spite of adversity or the dreariness of a situation. “ Let’s do this...wouldn’t that be fun?” or “Oh, I just have to get that book finished!” Even At Wellington when she was in the nursing home, she was known to head for the piano playing “Name that Tune” or to have hymn sing to cheer others along.
Authentic Reflections
Within the home I grew up in, Mom reflected the presence of God in an authentic way. I believe that because of this mirror, I, as her daughter was better able to see God and what a relationship with Him would be like. It has been said, “we reflect the God whom we believe Him to be.” Mom served a God of power, strength, a real and a holy God. Miggy would tell you that she had a personal relationship with Jesus and she would ask quickly if you had one! Whether it was public speaking, sharing in storytelling, running Bible Clubs or Bible studies or authoring, this reflection was of priceless value! This was an invaluable legacy, greater than any earthly achievement.
Finally
So, I hope you will take the time to stop in weekly for a peek and discover some new stories and enjoy some treasures that carry on Miggy's Legacy.
