I just wanted to let you all know that I am currently in Florida with my mother who is dying from pancreatic cancer. She has fought a good fight and has exceeded her 3-9 months to live prognosis by as much as 7 months at the maximum and over one month at the minimum. She has been an awesome and amazing mom to my four brothers and me! Her life is a blessing to so many, and it has been so wonderful to actually be witness to the impact she has made.
My father died when I was two years old from a car accident with a drunk driver, and my mother and I have always had a very close relationship all of my life. She never remarried because she loved my father so much, and no one could measure up to him. Additionally, she did not want to deal with a stepfather coming between her and her kids. She has sacrificed a lot to make our lives blessed, and all four of my brothers and I are here with her right now to give her our support and blessing as she passes. I will always cherish the moments I have been able to have with her. I want to share with you a piece I wrote in tribute to my mom this past year.
Dear Mom,
I am so thankful God gave me to you and Dad over 40 years ago. If I had to choose parents for myself, I would have definitely chosen the two of you. Here is a poem that is really intended to be a romantic poem, but it says some things that are in my heart for you.
How Do I Love Thee?
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! And, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
I thought I would take a few minutes and count some of the ways that I love you, Mom.
1) I love your passion for God most of all.
2) I love your commitment to pass down your passion for God to your children,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and your desire to have an unbroken
circle in heaven.
3) I love your loyalty and love for my dad (even after his death).
4) I love your integrity and determination for morality and purity of heart.
5) I love your strong and faithful love for your children and their spouses.
6) I love your surrender to God’s plan for your life and your ability to accept His
will over your own.
7) I love the joy you receive from and give to your friends.
8) I love the sacrificial way you have chosen to live…putting others’ wishes before
your own.
9) I love the enjoyment you find in doing things for others.
10) I love the way you remember all of the details about a special memory.
11) I love the fact that style, fashion, and proper hygiene are part of your
personal lifestyle.
12) I love the stamina and strength you have to live each day as a gift from God.
13) I love your homemade chicken potpie, applesauce, brownies, potato soup, and
Sunday dinners.
14) I love your smile, laughter, and smooth complexion.
15) I love your ability to accept and forgive.
16) I love your decorating skills and how you make a house a warm and inviting home.
17) I love your beautiful silver hair.
18) I love your tenacious hugs and words of wisdom.
19) I love your dependence on God to provide for your needs.
20) I will always love you for who you are…God’s gift to me!