I sure am grateful that this week is behind me. It was quite an emotional one as I've had lots personal things to deal with in addition to working my Stampin' Up! job and a few other commitments. Much of my week, however, seemed to be focused on remembering my Mom. It was a year ago today that we learned Mom died. It was sudden and unexpected. Although she was 79, she was in overall good health. She was still working as a registered nurse. Nursing was her passion and definitely her calling in life. We learned Mom worked a shift at the nursing home just days before she died. I still laugh remembering her saying, "Oh, Mary, I just love those old people". She had some of the best stories to tell, ones that brought on belly laughs. Ironically, even at 79, I considered Mom young as she comes from a big farming family with a history of many of them living into their late 80's and even into their 90's. I never doubted that Mom would live to be 90. I know now I took that for granted…a lesson learned. We always think we have more time.
It still hurts that I was not able to say goodbye to Mom. I do think that's the way she would have wanted it, though. She was independent to a fault. She never wanted anyone to have to take care of her so I guess her sudden death was just what God knew it should be. My dad died of cancer in 1990. I hated having to watch him battle and suffer, but truly appreciate those 10 cancer months I had with him. We took walks holding hands, talked about things we many not have talked about otherwise, hugged more, said I love you more, and yes, even said goodbye. If only I had known Mom would be called Home to be with God, I would have taken advantage of the time. But life doesn't always go as planned.
Today, I hold on to the good memories we had together. Our family didn't have a lot of money for extras, but I remember Mom and Dad too fueling my love of crafts and baking with just what I needed to do the things I loved. Mom was a woman of great faith. She reminded me that I am strong and that I am a survivor and have been since my birth. I think that perhaps that was the greatest lesson she taught me, that I AM strong and that I CAN survive whatever life throws at me even when I don't think I can. Mom was incredibly proud of her 8 grandchildren…just ask her brothers and sisters who has the best grandkids. I laugh just thinking about how she loved to brag about them.
I've had lots of losses over the last couple years, but I choose to be grateful for the good that has come from all of those including Mom's death. I'm grateful for the time I had with people who are no longer here physically but live in my heart. I'm grateful for my beliefs and for the eternal peace that we will all receive for a life well lived. I'm grateful for the people in my life who love and support me, not just in good times but also in times of difficulty, stress, sadness, and loss. I'm grateful that I have been able to learn and grow through life's challenges and losses in order to help others.
Take time to be grateful for what you have each day. Life can change when we least expect it.
Peace and love, my friends.
I'll be back to stamping, crafting, and posting very soon. The 2017 Holiday Catalog is now live, so I have lots to show you! If you need a free Holiday Catalog, let me know. I'd be happy to get one to you.