Brenda F. Farha

is honored with a Large Bench from Dr. George Farha and daughters, Gayle, Joan, Laura and Julie.

When we think of Mom, two words come to mind: love and work. She has been a committed and tireless worker throughout her life, and her work has been dedicated to her family, her community, to any thing or any person in need. Many people can be said to have worked hard in their lives, for various reasons or causes. But Mother's work is unique in its nature; it is chosen, deliberate, ceaseless, and it is always performed in an undying spirit of love. It is work she has undertaken without concern for compensation or recognition. It is this work, this loving work, that has nurtured and sustained her children, her husband, and her community.

"And what is it to work with love?"

It is to weave the cloth with threads drawn from your heart, even as if your beloved were to wear that cloth.

It is to build a house with affection, even as if your beloved were to dwell in that house.

It is to sow seeds with tenderness and reap the harvest with joy, even as if your beloved were to eat the fruit.

It is to charge all things you fashion with a breath of your own spirit,

And to know that all the blessed dead are standing about you watching." - Kahil Gibran

She has tended to this work like a garden, and we have all blossomed under her care.

Submitted by Dr. George J. Farha and daughters, Gayle, Joan, Laura and Julie

September 14, 1998 (for Brenda F. Farha)