The "firsts" are the hardest ... the first year of holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other important occasions and milestones without the loved one who has gone on before you. The past few weeks have been the most mournful I've experienced during this first year, or ever for that matter. It's the first holiday season without my best friend, mentor, cheerleader, role model, my love -- my Mother. I pray for continued comfort and peace that only God the Father can give. Because I can't do this on my own.
Did I lie to my Mother? That I would be ok? Because I'm not. I'm far from ok. I mourn her now more than ever. Will it EVER be "ok"? Will *I* ever be ok?
Yes, it will. Yes, I will.
I KNOW she is in Heaven looking down on me. I know she is wishing I weren't so sad. I know she wants me to cling to assurance, as believers, that we WILL spend eternity together. I know she's whispering to me, "The time you remain there is so short compared to all eternity with the Lord, with me, your father and brother, and all the loved ones who have gone on before us. Hang in there, my love. You keep doing what the Lord wants you to accomplish down there, and you'll be here before you know it. God feels your pain and wants to bear it for you; surrender your pain to Him."
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. ~ Psalm 56:8
So, Mom, sing your Christmas carols in the angelic choir with other Sweet Adelines. Enjoy your first Christmas feast at the Father's banquet table, with your son on your right and your husband on your left, and your own beautiful mother and sister across the table from you. I love and miss all of you so very much. But I will see you soon ... in the blink of an eye.
Feb. 8, 1936 - Jan. 15, 2018
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. ~ Proverbs 31:28-31
Without love, I am nothing, have nothing, gain nothing. I can honestly say my mother exemplified the epitome of love, as defined in 1 Corinthians. I want to be more like Mom, and the greatest gift I can give her, myself, and all others is to do just this.