Remembering

My mom was one of those woman who fought for what she believed in. She was very faithful to her family, caring and spending much of herself on them. She was a hard worker and loved what she did every day at work. She was one of those rare people to find something for which she was passionate.
My mom liked to dance, she enjoyed her deep relationships with friends, and was one to brag about her kids. I remember as a teen, getting a new pair of jeans. My mom had a friend over and made me MODEL these jeans for her friend! What a confidence booster- she wanted her friend to know how good I looked in these jeans. My mom was like that. She wanted my brother and I to know we are special and that she loves us.


My mom went through a series of tough things throughout my life with her. My parents divorced after several years of marriage (I think 13 years), and she soon after was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was a tough cookie. My mom fought hard, and had tons of support from our local church, friends from work, and later a hospice team.

Recently, I visited my mom's grave to remember her. It is hard to remember her without crying, because I've missed her so many times since she passed away. She has missed so much of my life. But this time, God showed me something at the grave.
He reminded me that He is taking good care of mom now. All these years, in my heart, I had never let my mom go to be with Jesus. What a peace this reminder gave me. I don't need to worry that my mom is sick, sad or lonely any longer. She is joyful, fulfilled and surrounded by friends!
And the second thing He reminded me. He has taken awesome care of me since mom passed. Life is scary with out a mom. So many things a mom does for a little girl- especially a teenage girl. Now adult girl... But God took care of me. Dad saw that it wouldn't be good for my brother and I to move, and sold his house and moved right in to our house. He grieved with us and through out the months prior to mom dieing, helped us out almost every night. God sent me an amazing step mom who listened to me and helped me to adjust to my new family. He sent me Jill and Jackie who spent time listening, giving advice and letting me come over a lot.
At the grave, the realization hit me that God is with me, leads me, protects me, and befriends me. I don't have to be afraid or hold on any more.

I share all this because I know that today, there are many other family and friends who remember my mom today. They have very fond memories of her too, and most likely grief. It is strengthening to know I am not alone in these thoughts and feelings today. Hopefully you will be strengthened knowing that you are not alone either!

...Today marks 10 years from when mom passed away. Please remember her with me today.

Love to you all!