When she heard the news, her immediate response was that she wanted to “die well”. That night, I told my husband, Mike, that we needed to make a “Going to Heaven” song mix for her. He replied that he had been thinking the very same thing. My mom is now there, in heaven. She placed her trust in Jesus as her Savior many years ago. When she was diagnosed with leukemia and informed that she only had days or months to live, that trust continued. As Pastor Mike McClung stated at her memorial service, she lived well, and she died well. I would say that her whole life was a song of praise.

We had so very many amazing adventures together! One year I decided to make a card for her entitled “Mom, do you remember…”. I placed an old photograph on the front and filled the inside with short sentences summing up some of the memories we shared over the years. Here’s a short sample:

Mom, do you remember…

…taking Jim and me for walks in the woods while Heidi and Amy were in school?

…playing your guitar and singing “Jesus is the Light, He’s the Light of the world”?

…you making a zillion cookies every Christmas and packaging them for us to deliver to our neighbors?

…you always making my friends feel so welcomed and loved?

…climbing that fire tower at the Grand Canyon?

…all the prayers, tears, and laughter shared together?

I actually remember these things and even a few more!

Mom really enjoyed life, and she made it a joy for everyone who knew her. She taught me so very much, from how to bake pies to how to try to look for the good in every situation. It’s been over 6 years since she died, and I still miss her. However, I rejoice in knowing that I will see her again, because she also taught me to trust in Jesus as my Savior. I am so thankful for her life, her love, and her example! What do you appreciate about your mom? Perhaps you can make her a “Do you remember…” card.

If your mom has not been all that a mom should, I am truly sorry. Please know that there is a God who loves you and cares for you deeply. He heals hurts, restores lives, and fills with joy. You can rely on Him always.

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16

Happy Mother’s Day!

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