One Year Ago...

One year ago today, I found myself sitting in the waiting room at the hospital surrounded by family and friends. I had to say the hardest goodbye I've ever had to say in my life on that day... I had to say goodbye to my precious mother. 


I couldn't hold back the tears as I watched her slowly slip away. She was so weak that she couldn't talk to me anymore, but she made it very clear that she could hear all that I was saying. She found my hand under the sheets of her bed and gave it a big squeeze. It seems small, but it meant the world to me. I will never ever forget that goodbye.

 I will also never forget how many people prayed for us in the coming weeks and while she was sick. It was completely overwhelming at times, but so touching. I remember thinking to myself after the funeral..."I didn't know that so many people actually cared about our family." It was absolutely amazing to watch how people came out of their way just to show their support. I will never forget coming home from the hospital that night and reading all of your comments on my post. I felt so loved and still remember crying my eyes out after reading like the third or fourth comment. I still can't get over that so many of you put time into making this special card for me either. I still read it sometimes when I need encouragement.

Another thing that I will never forget is how we all had such peace when we left that night from the hospital. We all knew that as we walked to our cars, that Mom was dancing with Jesus; she had no more pain or suffering. I still wish I knew why she smiled right before she passed away, though... I guess we'll never know, but I like to think she was seeing glimpses of Heaven or something. 

It's definitely been a challenging year for all of us, but this year as also brought a lot of joy back into our lives. I’ve grown so much in my walk with the Lord this year and He has helped us all through so much. We’ve never lost our trust in Him and have continued to live our lives the best we can, even if it is hard sometimes without Mom here. God definitely isn’t finished with this family yet and still has many plans for us. That’s one thing I’ve had to remember this past year, you have to keep living. You can’t just stop and let your life slip by. If you're going through this same thing in your life, please remember that.

I just want to say thank you again for each of your prayers and everything you've all continued to do for our family throughout this past year. I still receive an occasional email or comment encouraging me or letting me know that one of you is praying for me. It means so much. I know I say this all the time, but thank you for all being there for me, through the good times and the tough, through the tears and laughter. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am right now, without  all of you encouraging words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet friends.

Also, before I close, I just want to say... I love and still miss you every single day, Mom. You’ll never ever be forgotten.