A Tribute to Mom

Defining moments! They mark us. They shape us. They mold us.  February 27, 1996 will linger long in my mind and heart. It was the day our family said farewell, this side of heaven, to my mom. She was beloved! She was not a perfect mother, but she raised me well. Her ways of expressing love were manifested mostly through her deep and abiding devotion to faith and family. I did not need to hear the I love you statement every other minute. I knew I was loved and secure by her care for me.

Grief and loss is an odd thing. It comes in waves when least expected. Yes, even after sixteen years I feel its presence. There are days I wish I could pick up the phone and chat with her. Our conversations were always full of, "How are you doing?" " What are you doing?" " What do you want for dinner when you come?" "Don't wear yourself out!" We always knew our visits to Grandma and Grandpa's house would be filled with all of our favorite foods cooked to perfection, coffee klatches with Mom's friends, updates on the latest needlework projects, current happenings in Dad's workshop, garage projects and yes, the garden. Oh, how I miss her.

There is a strange mingling to joy and sorrow. Sorrow because there is loss. The memories ended way too soon. Joy comforts those losses and misses in the knowing that for eternity my mom is seeing Jesus face to face and knows the glorious riches of heaven filled with worship and  joy eternal!! Dear Reader, even though there is sorrow for the moment remember, "THE BEST IS YET TO COME!"