I've not written a novel yet, in fact, I'm just now venturing into fiction, but even if I had, I would still select my true life hero...whose bed I'm sitting next to right now, waiting for Jesus to call her home... my mom.
Update: My mom passed away peacefully yesterday, 2/12/14 with my dad and me at her side. I Love You Mom, I miss you so very much but know I now have a special guardian angel to watch over me.
This incredible woman is the epitome of selflessness and unconditional love. She reached out to many people in need during her life, and sacrificed a great deal to make sure her family was happy and healthy. She stood by my dad throughout his military career, making a home wherever we were living, be it England, North Africa or stateside.
What truly makes her my hero is her steadfast faith in God and ability to forgive. You see, she ended up with me. In my late teens I turned away from God and ventured into a life of promiscuity and alcoholism for twenty-five years. She suffered a great deal, having to deal with my antics and the cruel (albeit true) gossip of a small town. Being a Christian woman with high morals and values, my actions devastated her but not once did she close the door, even when I demeaned and maligned her.
It took many years before I reconnected with God, sobered up and became the woman I am today and I credit God and my mom for that. He never left me, nor did she.
As I sit here watching her, hours on end, I see a woman who not only gave me life, but saved it as well through her endless love and forgiveness. She has definitely earned a special place in Heaven and all I can say is, " Mom, you fought the hard fight and were victorious. Rest well - and know I love you more than words can express."
Patti, this is a beautiful tribute to your mom. I'm sure the tears were streaming down your face while you wrote. What a blessing that you can spend her last moments with her. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThey're still falling Ruth, she is still with us ... Waiting for Him to call her home.
DeletePatti,
ReplyDeleteOh that is beautiful. We heard a sermon this morning from Mark Batterson, author of The Circle Maker. He talked about prayer. One thing he talked about was the prayers of our ancestors. I know your mother was praying for you all those years. God heard those prayers and now you are in the Kingdom with her.
Blessings on this wonderful tribute to your mom,
Janis www.janiscox.com
Thanks Janis.
DeleteTruly beautiful Patti, and a worthy hero indeed. I pray I will be that kind of mom too as my kids grow up and choose their own paths in life. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara, I pray I'm that kind of mom as well.
DeleteYour mother has a beautiful daughter...she is so proud...Brenda J Wood
ReplyDeleteThank you Brenda...I'm proud of her...she's a very strong woman and I will miss her dearly. At least she's resting comfortably right now and in no pain.
DeleteThere is nothing like a mother's unconditional love. I experienced it myself and wondered sometimes at her patience. Now that I have to put up with some rather serious 'antics' on the part of my grown children, I find it is actually quite easy to do. It comes naturally, no matter what trouble they get into.
ReplyDeleteI am also reminded of sitting by my mother's bedside. She had been unresponsive for quite some time and since I live far away, my siblings took turns sitting up with her . I arrived from the Yukon in the late evening (she was in a Sask nursing home) and it was my turn to keep vigil. She died at 4am with just me and her in the room, as I 'sand her to sleep'. We like to think she waited for me to arrive. These are special memories. Like you, she was my earthly hero.
Thanks Tracy. My dad and I are still sitting vigil...we're at our home (they moved in with my husband and I). Waiting for the Lord to call her home. She is comfortable and peaceful, praise God.
DeleteVery moving. My mom is also one of my heros. Thank God for godly moms.
ReplyDeleteThanks....and yes, Thank God!
DeleteI wrote about my mom today as well! Thanks for sharing. Been praying for you during this rough time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen, I know you went through this as well and understand. We're still sitting vigil but she's comfortable and peaceful, praise God. Your blog was wonderful!
DeleteThat's a touching story, Patti! Thanks for sharing it. We as mom's can have quite an affect on our children.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth. She sure had an affect on me....and always will.
DeleteWhat a beautiful tribute, Patti. Your post brought tears to my eyes. I said goodbye to my mother more than five years ago, and I still miss her. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard Kathleen, but I'm so blessed to spend this special time with her.
DeleteWhat a fabulous tribute to what sounds like a mother of gold!
ReplyDeleteThanks Violet! She is definitely gold, especially her heart.
DeleteWhat a fabulous tribute to a priceless mother!
ReplyDeleteI hate to be repetitive, but the first words that came to my mind were, 'what an awesome tribute'! I'm sure it brings your mother much joy and happiness to know that the lost sheep returned to the fold.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan, my mom passed peacefully yesterday with me and my dad by her side. She's now my guardian angel.
DeletePatti, thanks for sharing a bit of your mom with us. Her daily faithfulness clearly made a big difference in your life and in many others. May our Lord continue to comfort you in your grief, and to equip you to follow her legacy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet...
DeleteWow, Patti! You surely brought tears to my eyes. It reminds me that we only have one life, and we have to LIVE it! Love you. Alicia :)
ReplyDeleteLove you too Alicia! Looking forward to the retreat...I'll bring the music...and gift CDs for the girls....
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