Always Loved, Never Forgotten

Three years ago today, my Mom’s earthly body succumbed to MS. Her spirit, however, stayed strong to the end. I know that she’s with her Maker and Redeemer now and is strong and healthy. That’s a comfort to me, but I still do miss her! I’m so thankful that I had her as my Mom for 36 years. I always knew I was loved by her and had a special place in her heart. In many ways, she was my best friend, and we shared so much together. She taught me so much about life and living for Jesus. When I was young, she disciplined and taught me faithfully. And I remember how she gradually let me go to be my own person. As I got older, our relationship changed from mother/child to mother/friend. And then as she got physically and emotionally weaker, I became her strength in some ways.

Special Memories of my Mom:

*Staying up late (all night one time!) playing games and/or talking.
*Her teaching me how to sew.
*All the beautiful flowers she liked to grow. I remember the flowers we had at our house in Minnesota and how they made an impression on me when I was young.
*Taking “girl trips” together. For a few years, Rachel, Mom, and I went to visit Sheldon’s and go shopping on Thanksgiving weekend since Dad and the guys were hunting. Mom, Darla, Rachel and I had a fun trip to my cousin Rosie’s wedding. And, of course, there was the wedding shopping trip in Winnipeg with Mom, Rachel, and Carolyn. Oh, the things we learned on that trip!
*Her and Dad coming to visit me in Russia – and bringing a suitcase full of treats and presents.
*Special traditions such as at Christmas. These meant a lot to Mom and she did a lot to make them happen.
*Planning my wedding with her help. Our only disagreement was because I told her she couldn’t do everything she wanted to do – like make the cake and all the bridesmaid dresses!
*The way she just enjoyed people and always had time for a cup of coffee with someone.
*I always knew that her eyes would light up when I walked into the house.
She was one of the few people who could listen to all of my stories, woes, and blessings of parenting – and be truly interested.

Things I admire about my Mom:
*She was always full of life and energy.
*She loved to laugh.
*She could - and did – laugh at herself. And she let us laugh at her foibles too.
*She always cared about me and my family. She loved my boys so much.
*She was wise and helped me see my blindspots in my parenting.
*She loved the Lord and loved people!!
*She suffered well and stayed strong to the end.
*She loved to make beautiful things and be creative. She was always making something or getting into some new craft or sewing project. She made clothes and blankets and other things for her kids and grandkids and when she couldn’t do that anymore, she resorted to making cards on the computer. It’s special now to have some of the things she made!

Even after three years, I still miss her very much. It really is true that each and every person on this earth is unique and irreplacable. The huge hole that she left isn’t the big gaping wound that it was, but the scar is still there and the ache of missing her will never completely be gone. I thank God for giving her to me (us) even if it wasn't long enough.