Today is a day that has left a mark on our family for 11 years ... but this year the mark is a little darker - 11 years ago today after a long struggle with cancer, Carols mom left for her heavenly home. Today is also a day that is marked because of our sister-n-law Denise who suffered a stroke that eventually took her life a year ago today. This day is hard for our family, harder for those who don't know Jesus but still hard for those who do. See as a follower of Jesus, we are not immuned to the struggles, we go through hardship and tough things, we have people pass away that we love dearly but the difference is- HOPE. See with our hope fixed on Jesus - the destination is different. The end of the story is different.
Both Mary Lou and Denise spent a lifetime building a foundation in their families. They were the rock that held the family unit together. They were there for the children, the runny noses, the coughs and the days home from school. They were there to fix supper and do the shopping. They were not much on cleaning but I am sure they put forth the effort as much as they could. There families loved them very much and are missed today because of them having to leave. They left a mark for us to remember because not what they looked like but for what they did. Mary Lou was a public health nurse and gave so much to the poor families, especially the children over her life. She cared for teenagers in ways their parents couldn't - she cared for animals that needed a home. She fed everything that could walk up, fly up, or swim up to her. Carol has this disease now and no scraps go to waste no matter where we are. Denise, loved everyone and her giving heart was so much bigger than anyone I know. She always sent cards for birthdays, valentines day and happy hotdog day ... in NY I think that is an actual holiday! - But Denise gave even in the last chapter of her life story. She gave her eyes, kidneys, skin, hair to name a few - I am hopeful that her daughter Katie and her husband Bob will execute the ability to be able to contact those receiving doners. After a year - the families can get together and share this wonderful gift of life. I think it would be an amazing experience knowing that someone got to see for the first time because someone we loved gave something of herself.
I can honestly say - that a mothers love will always be watching over her family. I do believe it applies to all families. Too many dads are missing these days from the families - our society is showing the signs of that fact.
To Carol and Bob - I know your momma is proud of you today. Katie - I know your momma is watching over you and wanting to cheer you on. Its a hard day for all of us but remember - its the foundation that your moms built in your families for all those years ...
I am reminded of Proverbs 24:3-4
3 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. 4 Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
Mary Lou and Denise placed many valuables and riches into their homes and in their families. I continue to pray that you make them proud. Somethings in this life are just hard to believe... sometimes they just don't seem real. This time last year was the beginning of a very hard week while Carol, Kyle and I were in NJ and Penn. Having to say goodbye - make funeral arrangements, get Bob and Katies home in order and cleaned up, bills in order, console a 14 year old teenager, - they say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. I know that God has a plan and for sure - there in all of this is His plan. I trust Him in that ... there is HOPE in that ... and there is LOVE in that.
There is the other side of the storm but while in it ...we just can't see it. What treasures are in your home today? If you place material items as those treasures - you are surely missing it. I have a tough time sometimes thinking - "Time is so short".
Miss you "Momma-son and Denise" ~
Love always to you both,
Lonnie~
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