Inspirational writing for the future

By Viney Mosley

I want to thank Matt Sanders, Fred Lynch, Kim McDowell and all of the Southeast Missourian family for assisting us in the promotion of "And God Answered: A Memoir" by Jean Bell Mosley. The May 29 article brought tears to my eyes. You captured the essence of my relationship with Mom.

Her legacy to her granddaughter, Lauren, and me was to "look for the hand of God." A few weeks before she died she asked us to help her with a story she was writing. She wanted us to look for the hand of God and report back to her what we saw. We asked, "What do you mean?" Mom sweetly said, "You know, like the soft skin of the cheek of a newborn baby, the feel of lamb's wool or the fuzzy leaves of the lamb's wool plant, a red cardinal or the hummingbird's wings."

The day Mom became gravely ill, Lauren and I were talking on a cell phone as she was approaching Cape Girardeau. "Lauren, have you been looking for the hand of God today?" I asked. Her reply, choked with tears was, "Yes, ever since I left St. Louis."

The full impact of Mom's legacy did not hit me until many months later.

Faced with the huge task of removing from her home 65 years of memories, carefully moving her precious books, writings, illustrations, photographs and correspondence including daily journals dating back to 1935, I discovered a vast amount of writing specifically related to the "hand of God." She was leaving us a legacy to continue her work.

I want to see to it that her inspirational writing is preserved and published for future generations. Lauren's goal is to carry on the traditions that Jean Bell shared with her. Steve's goal is to continue teaching high school students and inspiring students in his own unique way, while helping us.

Steve and I are fortunate to have the support of many community organizations and individuals that have come together to successfully launch this book. I especially want to thank Southeast Missouri State University Press -- Dr. Susan Swartwout, publisher -- and the Southeast Missourian family. The Friends of the Cape Girardeau Public Library, the Notre Dame Regional High School family, the Garden Gallery, Barnes and Noble, and Southeast Missouri State University radio station KRCU as well as the Southeast Missouri State's Department of Communications for generously providing venues allowing Jean Bell Mosley readers the opportunity to buy "And God Answered," what the Southeast Missourian deemed as her final chapter.

Thank you for your assistance in helping us with this labor of Love.

Jean Bell lived a modest life. She touched by heart. I am a better person for having known her.

Viney Mosley of Cape Girardeau is the daughter-in-law of Jean Bell Mosley.