Today is special in many ways. First of all it started with writing this blog…I haven’t even had a glass of water yet! Secondly, I am anticipating a baby shower this evening for a very special cousin, her husband and their very special baby boy expected to bless us with his presence in November! I am on pins and needles to see their reaction when they receive the gift I have for them!
Thirdly, it was three years ago today that I was awoken by a phone call at almost 3 a.m. From that Moment on my world was forever changed. The hospital called to say there had been a change in my mother’s status. As I rushed to get there, I already knew what I was going to find out when I arrived. Just as I suspected, she had passed away. So now my world no longer includes my mother in the bodily form, however, she is always in my heart!
Sometimes I can picture her face so clearly, I feel like I could reach out and touch her. There are times when I need some of her advice and I can hear her voice speaking to me. Then there are times when I thought I heard the sound of her laugh, and realize it was actually me laughing!
There are so many wonderful memories that she has given me that I cherish and hold onto I thought I would share a few here;
- The heavenly scent of her homemade cinnamon rolls
- Baking together for Christmas or Thanksgiving
- Stringing popcorn and cranberry garland for the Christmas tree; making clove covered oranges
- Christmas Eve candlelight service
- Watching old movies; crying at the tearjerkers
- Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals…singing to every tune!
- Singing at the top of our lungs, like nobody was listening and not caring if they were :)
- Getting lost driving one of Mom’s so called “shortcuts”
- Just being silly and trying new and crazy things, like the time she used pipe cleaners to curl my hair...and yes, it came out looking like a wild afro!
- Watching her sew clothing for me, and later having her teach me to sew
- Hearing stories from her childhood; being she was the daughter of a butcher they were always interesting!
- Sharing a love for the taste of lemony things
- Watching old I Love Lucy episodes
- Beach walks at sunrise; finding shells
- Laughing until we had tears streaming down our faces
- Observing her patriotism and following her example
- Learning from her about religion and what a mighty, loving God we serve
- Watching her serve in the church and be part of the women’s ministry
- Seeing her do so many good and generous things for others
- Witnessing her volunteerism
- Seeing her finally realize that my husband really is a fabulous man after all, and watching their relationship bloom!
Just writing out these memories, makes me thing of “My Favorite Things”, as so very well put in the song (Thank you Oscar Hammerstein II for the wonderfully uplifting song!)…
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| “When the dog bites, When the bee stings, When I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things And then I don't feel so bad!” |
Something else my Mom passed along to me was her love for sunflowers! I was so fortunately blessed to have my husband take me to the Biltmore Estate for my birthday weekend. As soon as we checked into our hotel room, I opened the curtains to see the view and I saw a beautiful patch of glorious sunflowers! I am sure that was God’s way of reminding me of my mother’s presence! So here are some pictures of those gorgeous sunflowers in memory and honor of a wonderful lady! I love you Mom, I’ll see you on the other side of heaven someday, until then keep singing with the angels!
Until next time, be blessed and cherish your mother,
Amanda ;)
