“Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with a wonderful mother!”
There’s a certain peace that washes over you when you start reminiscing about a loved one who’s no longer here. It’s a mixture of sadness at their absence and a warmth that emanates from the memories they left behind. Today would have been her birthday. I want to share some of those memories about my incredible mother, Tanita Monk, who was born and raised in the charming town of Concord, North Carolina.
Mom’s childhood stories were like stepping into a time capsule filled with fun and love. She spoke fondly of her grandparents who raised her, “Dennis who she once called Jelly Belly” (grandfather), and her grandmother Mollie Alexander, but the love in her voice when she spoke of them never left her. She had a beautiful relationship with her Father and respected her mother, even though she mentioned they were young when she arrived in the world. As she grew older and more independent, her adventurous spirit led her to New York City, where she worked as an au pair on Long Island.
Even as I type these words, a sense of calm washes over me, a feeling that reflects the peace she exuded in life, but Mom wasn’t just peaceful, she was also my biggest cheerleader! Her loving support and infectious enthusiasm were a constant source of strength.
It was in New York that she met my father, John Monk. Their love story, according to Mom, started with a strong foundation of friendship before blossoming into something more. They married and built a life together, Our family eventually grew with the arrival of me, and my siblings John, Thomas, and Desiree.
Mom’s love extended beyond her immediate family. She spoke with such warmth about her in-laws, Aunt Leslie, Linda, and Uncle George. They weren’t just in-laws to her; she considered them her actual siblings. She loved how they readily accepted her into their family, creating a network of love and support that spanned generations.
One of the things I admired most about Mom was her ability to find joy in the simple things. A walk in the park, a good book (she was an avid reader, and her favorite book was the Bible – the well-worn copy she held onto since marrying Dad is now a cherished possession). She also enjoyed catching up on current events in her favorite magazine, Woman’s World – a pleasure me and my sister now share. Her last read, “Faith Still Moves Mountains” by Harris Faulkner, resonated deeply with her, a testament to her unwavering faith.
I remember one Christmas year, Mom, my sister, and I wore these hilariously pilgrim-esque hats she found. People couldn’t help but stare, but we just laughed it off. Mom had a knack for finding joy in the unexpected, and her infectious laughter still echoes in my heart.
She had quite a few sayings that became family mottos: “It’s nice to be nice,” a simple reminder of kindness, and “If nothing doesn’t happen,” a humorous way of saying “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Her most powerful one, though, was “I don’t play with The Lord.” It reflected her deep faith and her unwavering trust in God’s plan.
Christmas and my brother John’s birthday were especially cherished by Mom. She always took the time to pick out unique, heartfelt cards that became keepsakes for her children and grandchildren. They were a tangible expression of the immense love and pride she felt for us.
Mom instilled in us strong roots of love, joy, and a spirit of never settling. She taught us to appreciate the value of a gift, not just for its material worth, but for the love behind it.
Mom, this is for you. You are missed dearly, but your memory lives on in the love you so generously shared.
Forevermore in my heart,
Arnitta
ministerarnittamonk.com 