Looking back over the years, I have so many memories – more memories than you have pictures, if that is even possible. When I think back on these special moments, I can’t help but to think about your presence through it all and the life lessons you taught me.
Here are some of my favorite memories of you…
You were always so willing to play pretend Barbie with me, even on the days when you had a whole house to clean. You took time and sat down with me to play. You even allowed me to be the mom, which I thought was the coolest.
When I was 7, I remember playing outside goofing around and I fell and skinned my knee. You were quick to come running to kiss my boo-boo and wipe away my tears. You carried me to the sink, rinsed my knee of with hydrogen peroxide and allowed me to yell while doing it (even if it didn’t hurt as bad as one would think). Then you put a Barbie bandaid on it, and all of a sudden everything was fine.
I remember one time, it was pouring outside. I was a sad little puppy dog looking out the window, wanting to go play. You walked by and said “what are you doing inside? Go play in the rain!” That day I played for hours in the rain, splashing in puddles and floating my makeshift boat down the curbside. And I know you were watching, every second, from the window.
In high school, you always made sure I was okay after a hard day at school. I remember when my first relationship went down the toilet, and you were there with me sitting on my bed… allowing me to cry and telling me everything was going to be okay. And look, I’m okay.
You’ve supported me with every dream I’ve had. In college you spent many hot Texas summers helping me with garage sales to fund my trips to Africa. Most of the items being sold were your things, yet you willingly allowed me to take the profit. Remember the one time, we dressed up in the most hideous outfits and walked around the garage sale trying to sell them. You’ve also supported me every step of the way with the World Race. You’ve spent endless amounts of money on me, you’ve spend endless amounts of nights praying over me, and you’ve spent endless amounts of conversations talking about me to complete strangers.
Throughout these memories you’ve taught me so many life lessons. You’ve taught me…
Faithfulness. You were at every volleyball, softball, and basketball game growing up. You cried with pride at each graduation. You celebrated every accomplishment like it was the greatest thing I’d ever done, which did wonders for my feeble sense of confidence as I found my way in the world. Even through the rockiest of seasons, you remained faithful to who you were and that was because of your foundation in Christ. You are a prayer warrior in every sense. Teaching me to always go to Christ first.
Love. You didn’t do all those things because you had to or because it was your “mommy duty”. You did them because you loved me, because you loved Whitney and Mason. You’ve always made it clear that you take joy in us, that you delight in us, that you love to just be near us simply because we’re your children. And in doing so, even before I loved Jesus, you demonstrated for me the tender heart and the love of God the Father. My understanding of the all-consuming love of a parent, the kind of love God has for us, I have because of you. I can’t wait until the day I have my own little rugrats because I know that any reflection of the unconditional love that I show to them is just stemming from a legacy that you passed to me. And, since you loved us well, I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with your grand babies.
Momma, you are a joy. My life has been so rich and beautiful, and I have been so loved and treasured, because you are my mom. I look forward to the future with pure joy and anticipation, for my kids and your grandbabies to learn from you, a whole new generation of little ones for you to love and influence and take delight in. I wish there was a better phrase in English to express the kind of love I have for you, but I love you, so dearly. Happy Mother’s Day Momma!!
