Photo shows Brian, Gavin and Courtney Ferguson.
CULLMAN – June Cleaver wore pearls, pantyhose and high heels on the beloved show “Leave It to Beaver.” She was our televised ideal of motherhood in the 1950s, when only one-third of women were a part of the U.S. workforce according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Today, being a full-time mom whose sole job is to provide care for her family is no longer the norm.
Occasionally, Courtney Ferguson doesn’t eat breakfast until late afternoon. This particular sunny day, her two elementary school-aged daughters, Emily and Olivia, are playing in the backyard while her son, Gavin, a senior at Cullman High School, works on homework in his room. As a friend occupies 2-month-old Norah, Ferguson finally spreads a few globs of peanut butter and jelly on some bread. “This is my breakfast,” she laughs as she eyes the clock that reads 3:30 p.m. The baby’s arrival in December has thrown the usual schedule out the window.
Yet, Ferguson improvises with ease.
With a degree in elementary education, Ferguson had every intention of sending her girls to school, which was not an option when her son was young. As she drove past the Cullman City Primary School months before her oldest daughter was to start kindergarten, Ferguson had an overwhelming feeling that, although she had been enthusiastic for her daughter to begin school, it wasn’t the right choice for her.
The Fergusons did what they do when faced with indecision. They prayed. Homeschooling became a decision they have yet to regret. Ferguson shares, “Are my kids a little sheltered as a result of our choice to homeschool? Maybe. I don't think that's a terrible thing, though. I’m not going to omit information in my kids’ education, but I get to choose, as their mom and teacher, when and how things are taught.”
Brian “Cowboy” Ferguson, Courtney’s husband, can usually be found being of service to those in need in his community. Whether leading a weekly men’s Bible study or being the first on scene to help his community neighbors following natural disasters, Cowboy is known for his kindness and giving. Gavin, very much his father’s son, is a member of Cullman High School’s football team. The middle Ferguson girls are energetic and full of life. They explore their world with confidence as they easily make friends in gymnastics class and Girl Scout meetings. Baby Norah is comfortable with new faces, contently cooing to anyone holding her. What makes Ferguson most proud is “when I see my kids love. That’s the only commandment God gave us – to love others as he had loved us. I feel proud when I see the kids loving as Jesus had loved and showing others that.”
Her thick, shiny hair and makeup-free, flawless skin defy her age, but when discussing her concern for the baby’s stuffy nose, Ferguson says it’s because of her age that “we worry more about our kids the older we get!”
It’s hard to imagine she has time in her day to worry, with her packed schedule. In addition to her wife and mom responsibilities, Ferguson is also a talented photographer capturing priceless images at weddings, birthday celebrations and in her family’s day-to-day life.
Ferguson’s family is secure in their endeavors into the world because of her strength. Somehow, she makes it all look easy and effortless. With a husband preparing to travel to Africa with his mission work, a son living the life of a busy teenager and young daughters sharing joy freely with their friends, Ferguson holds down the fort. She does so with a rare and beautiful grace. Through her actions, Ferguson teaches her family and friends lessons in humility not by her words, but by her actions. She is our 21st century ideal of motherhood, our own June Cleaver with a well-earned peanut butter and jelly sandwich in hand.
Note to readers: Is there someone in the community you think we should profile? Let us know at news@cullmansense.com.
