You're going to just LOVE her.
Is there a day on your calendar that is marked by your heart? October 27th is that day for me. It is my mom's birthday. Growing up, us kids knew that this day was special for mom. Raising four children, this was the one day of the year that demanded we take our eyes off of ourselves and place them on her.She would have turned sixty-three today.
This day used to be filled with phone calls, birthday cards, family dinners and birthday cake. For eight years now, October 27th has become painfully quiet.
In some ways, growing older I need her so much more. We used to talk every day, sometimes numerous times a day to share a story, an update about family, a laugh, or just to talk about what we had planned for the day. I miss her calls the most. I yearn for her to be on the other end of the telephone to share highlights of my children's lives.
She would have loved to see Meghan go to her first dance Saturday night. Her heart would have swelled with pride over David's graduation from junior high last year. No doubt she would have bragged to everyone about Grace's first goal in soccer this year and made numerous calls to friends after hearing that Samuel scored five goals this Saturday at his game.
To fill you in on this special photograph, it was snapped a few months before cancer took her life. I had just stopped by to visit and while sitting on the stool beside her, I tried hard to talk to her about anything but the heartache staring me straight in the face. A very mischievous thought came to mind. I leaned down for dramatic affect, whispering in her ear. “You know what mom? I just had a great idea. I think I am going to toilet paper you.” Sadly immobile, a frightened smile lit her face, as she looked up at me with a you-wouldn't-dare look in her beautiful green eyes.
My sister was my accomplice as we twirled the white toilet paper from top to bottom, creating beauty from the cold steel hospital bed. Lastly, placing a paper white bouquet in her hands. All the while laughing until our sides hurt, tears streaming down all of our faces.
Just like vanilla candles, Jean Nate, Aunt Jemimah coffee cake and Greek cookies, October 27th fills my heart with my mother. I loved her so much. I still do. So today, the day that has been forever marked by my heart, I thank God for my mom. Cancer took so much away from her, from all of us, but it never took away our joy and I am anxiously counting the days until I can laugh with her again.
15 comments:
Happy Birthday to your beautiful angel momma, she is celebrating in heaven with my momma,she has been there almost four years. I love you, this is a lovely tribute.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful woman with us! I am so sorry you lost her so young. Praying for u tonight!
This brought tears to my eyes. Praying for you tonight. I am so sorry you lost your mom so young!
What a sweet, sweet, sweet tribute to your special mom! Thank you for sharing her with us. ((((Joanne))))
Sweet memories...I can almost smell the Jean Nate and the cookies baking too! One day you will see her without the cancer in joy and peace - oh what a day that will be!
Happy birthday to your mom. Sweet joy to your heart as you remember.
Shalom,
Denise
Beautiful my friend. There is love written all over this post!!!
She sounded like a wonderful woman.
Hugs and blessings to you.
Kim
My prayers and love surround you and your family Sweet Sister of mine as you remember your beautiful, precious Mom. May the comfort of our LORD be around all of you until you rejoice with her again in glory.
I so love you.
Here if you need me!!
Oh baby sister. (I am MUCH older)....my heart is with you. I had heard you mention this and then with all the activity ...I misplaced my mind ;)
I love you greatly and am praying for you!
I remember this from last year. What a special lady your Mom was, and I bet she was so proud of you! I'm looking forward to meeting her in heaven!
I'm crying with you, my sister. What a precious gem your mother was and still is.
The day will come and you will be reunited again. I just pray your mansion isn't near mine because I'm not big into being TP'd!
Oh Joanne what a beautiful post for an obviously beautiful mother daughter relationship. It has brought tears to my eyes. I know you must miss her greatly, but I can hardly wait to meet her in heaven some day. Memories are wonderful companions and I am praying as you remember.
Joanne
Oh I wish I could just give you a big hug right now.
What a great way to honor your mom today.
Rachel
What a lovely tribute to your Mom. I think all of our lives, we will miss our mothers. My Mom has been gone for nine years....and I still find myself reaching for the phone to call her!
What a day it will be when we see them again, as we are greeted by the hosts of heaven. Sometimes I am just overwhelmed in thinking about all of the precious ones who have gone ahead. What a comfort to know they are waiting.
Oh, I love that you did this!!! What a fun memory and a joyous moment in the face of pain and impending sorrow. Laughter is so healing.
I have precious memories of my last visit with my dad. We were showing him some stuff on the computer and he was fascinated by it. He just talked and laughed and was so interested in what the boys were showing him.
It has been two years and I, like you, can't wait until I see him again. At least they are both healthy and enjoying our Lord!
Wow, this post is so deep and personal. How did you write this without sobbing? Maybe you did.
Thank you for sharing your mom with us. Thank you for sharing your tears and your laughter with us. I already love your mom. I can't wait to meet her in heaven. Maybe she will toilet paper us as we enter! :)
Love you, friend.
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