"A humble child will taste the grace - College of Education ...

OUR FIRST TEACHER
Written by Mary Jade Haney - Midland Writing Project 2005
"A humble child will taste the grace." "Don’t ever play with God." "Keep your name!"
“Just keep God first in your life and things will work out.” "Nothing just comes to you -
get up!" "A rolling stone gathers no moss." “It’s too soon to quit.” "Get it off your
chest." "Let your word be your bond." "Treat others the way you want to be treated."
“Respect your elders.” Did you say thank you?” “Help out if you can.” "Give without
expecting something in return." "Don't be late." "Mind your business, you got enough to
take care of." "Tell the truth." "Always say thank you, be grateful." “Did you do your
best?” “You must keep going, life’s difficulties build character.” “Quitting is not an
option.” “You started it, you must finish.” “For every choice there is a consequence:
good or bad.”
Echoes of my mother’s voice, a legacy of pure excellence, tenacious living,
sharpened intellect and spiritual accuracy.
Our first teacher, confidant and best friend. She always knew we were following
her lead. A mother of six ambitious, persistent, sometimes stubborn children; four girls
and two boys she eloquently raised. You have some wonderful children, other people
would give her praise. She humbly replied, “I’m just grateful.”
On a cold winter day, Katherleen, our mother, born in the Longridge section of
Berkeley County, in a wooden house with significant character.
A big oak tree, hovering over a veranda, guarding the front yard. Inside, a bright
fire burning in the fireplace, kept the home warm and cozy for Lucille and Glennie
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McQueen, the proud parents of this special gift from God, delivered on December 26,
1934.
Not knowing what the future would hold for Katherleen, she was immediately
dedicated back to God for HIS GLORY.
Katherleen, the third youngest daughter of eleven children became the caregiver
for Lucille and Glennie in their winter years.
Many sacrifices were made, as she graduated from Alston High School in
Summerville, South Carolina. After graduation, she was offered college, but instead,
worked in a local restaurant as a cook. She sustained herself and assisted her family; two
younger brothers, a father who had suffered a stroke and a mother who frequently
experienced seizures.
But, one spring afternoon, a local gentleman, Samuel Haney, Sr., noticed
Katherleen and was taken back by her beauty. He asked her out on a date. She accepted.
From this date, their love blossomed to the magnitude that he met with her mother and
father to request her "hand in marriage." Her father reluctantly replied, "The best of
friends have to part sometime. You know she has been my hands and my feet since I had
this stroke."
Samuel, being a man of valor, tall in stature, with a strong voice, determined to
marry Katherleen and take her as his wife; vowed that they would be available to care for
them in anyway they needed, for he knew that life was fragile and fleeting.
Erupting into flames of joy, my mother married my father in 1960, six children
were born over the years.
"Momma" as she is affectionately called by her children and others dear to her
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heart, loves, cares, and serves her family well. She looks well to the ways of her
household, yes, she is a Proverbs 31 woman. A woman of strength and honor.
Every Sunday morning, momma and daddy would beckon all six of us to the
living room for prayer and all had to comply - or else. For they knew that a family who
prayed together, stayed together.
Our mother, now, moving into her winter years, whose strength has been both
tried and proven as she impacted the lives of the legacy of Samuel Haney, Sr. Yes, that’s
us, her six and no more.
She “singlehandedly” assumed the roll of mother and father, a 49 year old
widower. For you see, Samuel, her husband, our father was tragically killed on
December 21, 1983. Snatched from life to death without warning.
Leaving no detailed plans for momma to finish raising us, she had to depend on
God even more. Strengthened by the Almighty, she continually leaned on His everlasting
arms. She meditated on PSALM 27 and continued the journey.
Her favorite day of the week, Sunday morning. She still rises early, calls the
household for prayer, cooks breakfast and dinner, and prepares herself to get to church so
she can render prayers and praises to the God of her salvation.
This wonderful woman, affectionately called momma, supported all of our
endeavors; educational, personal and professional goals. John, Entrepreneur, BA,
Clemson University graduate; Mary Jade, Teacher, MEd, University of South Carolina
and Lesley University graduate, Samuel, Jr., Pastor, Entrepreneur, Husband of one wife,
Father to three children, BA, Allen University graduate; Lynn, Nursing Administration,
First Vice-President of Nursing, Widower at 33, Mother of two children, MA, Medical
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University of South Carolina graduate; Laura, National Board Certified Teacher, MAT,
University of South Carolina graduate, Myra, Director of Student Support, MEd.
University of South Carolina and The Citadel graduate.
In each of us, momma instilled the importance of building a strong spiritual
foundation, the key to being successful. She celebrates our accomplishments, encourages
us as we encounter life's difficulties, even as adults. Most importantly she communicates
with her Father daily - her days begin and end prayer.
Her love, support, and selfless devotion to us as well as many others in the
community is a commendable and an admirable trait; a role-model, she will always be.
Katherleen McQueen-Haney, prudent, virtuous and wise. Our first teacher; she
will always be.
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