50

Today is my mom's birthday.  She would have been 50 if she were still with us.  Oh what a party would have been had!  I'm sure we would've figured out how to Skype in.  :-)

My mom has been gone from this earth for over 15 years now, almost as long as I had with her, which is hard to believe.  I still miss her so much sometimes it hurts.  I don't understand why God chose to take her home but I know she is home and that is why I continue to have hope.  Even though she has missed so many things here- our weddings, graduations, being a grandmother- her life with Jesus is so much more!  I often think about her being in heaven worshiping, singing, rejoicing, being completely whole and I am so peaceful.  One day we'll join her too and that is awesome!

Anyway, just a few thoughts about my mom as I think about her on her 50th birthday (yes, I know, she was young...she got started early!):

1. My mom was one of the most passionate people you ever met.  My brother takes after her!  She loved hard and got mad hard.  Trust me, you wanted her on your side!  It was something most people won't ever forget.
2. My mom was honest about life and didn't skirt around the truth.  She always told me that she loved me and wouldn't change anything but that I needed to know that having a baby at 17 was not the best thing for me.  She also told me that if I knew what God wanted for me I had to go for it and only accept a man who was on that same path.  She would be proud of my choice!
3. My mom loved Jesus with all her heart and did what she could to share that love with others through words and actions.  She and my dad gave even when they couldn't give and I will always remember their example.
4. My mom loved to have fun and wanted us to experience things she wasn't able to as a child.  She saved for vacations and fun presents and loved experiencing these things with us.  We made many wonderful memories together.
5. If my mom were still here, she would be our and Blake's and Melissa's biggest cheerleader.  She had a heart for ministry and would be so excited that God led us both where he has.  I don't know if you can see all that's going on here on earth from heaven, but if you can, I know she is happy.
6. Eliana's big round eyes come from me, but I got them from my mom so when I look at her eyes I will always remember my mom and that is an extra special gift to us.

I don't have many pictures here of my mom, but here are a few I found, including a couple someone posted on Facebook.

The three of us

On one of our fun family vacations to Opryland

At church- one of her favorite places

With us Acteens- just a few of the many teenage girls she invested in

Anyway, I just wanted to write a little something in memory of my mom.  She certainly wasn't perfect, but she was my mother and a huge gift in my life for the 16 years I had her.  I will forever be impacted by her and forever miss her presence in my life.  

I know I have said this before as well, but I am also blessed by an awesome stepmom and mother-in-law who have come into my life and loved me so well.  They haven't taken my mom's place, but have been gifts from God that I couldn't have imagined possible in her absence.    Thank you Stephanie and Betty!

I love you Mama!  Happy 50th Birthday!