Back to school

 

 

Right now I'm getting my daughter ready for the 1st grade.  And, it's hard. 

 

This time last year my Mom came shopping with us to get Beth ready for kindergarten.  Growing up my Mom always made getting ready for school fun.  She would take each of us shopping separately and it was our day to get new clothes.  We would spend the day 1 on 1 with her.  I always looked forward to that day every summer. She always had a hard time that 1st day we were back at school.  I get it now, I totally get it.

 

This summer with my daughter we were going to be prepping not only for school but for my parents visit in September. That visit was so close, I kept telling my mom:  "Hang in there, I get to hug you in person soon." Oh, how I'd love to hug her right now.

 

I'm writing this amidst sobs. I know my Mom is in heaven and no longer hurting.  But we all miss her so very much. She had a way of making every little thing a celebration. She had a way of knowing when you needed encouragement and gave you those encouraging words you needed to hear. She loved deeply.

 

I will miss her everyday of my life here on earth.

 

 

 

My brother put together this slideshow, it's a great

tribute.

Grief and Loss

Most of you already know that I lost my dear sister in law, Rachael, in July.  What I haven't done is update this blog on losing my Mom.  God took her home just about a week ago. You can see more information here: http://mytoughmama.com/

I have lost 2 very influential people in my life this summer. It hurts and it hurts deeply. Rachael was a true sister to me.  My Mom was an awesome mom.

Tears continue to come freely.  I had a moment when I wanted to call Rachael to ask her what I should wear to my Mom's service on Tuesday.  And, I've had several moments where I've wanted to send my Mom another imessage so she could see pictures of my kids or just say I love you.  But she's not on the other end of her ipad in Dominica anymore.  And, it hurts, Oh, it hurts. I know I will have times like these for the rest of my life.

So many people are missing her.  My Dad, my family, all of our extended family and the list goes on.  But there is our church family in Dominica that lost a very important person in their community.  Although my parents were in Dominica together for a short time my Mom made an impact on everyone there.  She loved her community and showed God through her actions. That is how she lived her life.

To all of you in Bataca:  I'm praying for your loss. I wish there wasn't so much distance so I could hug all of you and tell you how much my mom cared for you. I'm so glad you were able to spend time with her and see her passion for God.  I pray it has ignited a passion in you to live to the fullest for God.  And, quite frankly, I want to see all of you in heaven!

I don't understand many things that happen this side of heaven. I don't understand why I've lost 2 very special people in the same summer.  What I will continue to cling to is my faith in God, who loves and cares for me.

This was my Mom's life verse, and it is something I'm clinging to now.