April 20 Celebrate My Mom Day

Today is the one year anniversary of my mom's death. I cannot believe it has been a year.

As I did my quiet time today, I found myself just pouring out my gratitude to God for all she gave to me. It has been easy to be caught up in the loss and the emptiness that her death has brought to my life. However, for 47 years she loved me endlessly and sacrificially. I celebrate that today, even as I painfully miss her.

I am grateful for:

Her attitude. Although she was in constant, chronic pain for over 40 years, she kept going. I know it was excruciating to even get out of bed each day, but she did it anyway because she believed life was worth it.

Her sacrifice. She worked hard for our family, and sacrificed her own needs and comforts for others.

Her beauty. She was just naturally beautiful. Michael called it "classy", and I would agree. Her grace and beauty came from the inside out.

Her love. She was a great mom, and a wonderful grandmother. She loved our children not only by giving them her time, she also placed great value on each of them. She celebrated their differences.

Her faith. She loved God, and we knew that was where her strength originated. She left us Bibles and books full of her notes about God's faithfulness.

How blessed I am to have had her as my mother.