Dear Mom,
As PVT has come to a close I just wanted to write down some of my thoughts and share them with you (and the rest of the world). I know for a fact that I don’t have all the right words to express how much you mean to me; my words will only scratch the surface.
I just want to start by saying thank you.
Before you left you said, “I know we don’t deserve any of the good gifts that God gives us, but I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” But truthfully, I wouldn’t be who I am today without your influence on my life. So I’d like to turn that statement around, because you are one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me, and I am forever grateful that He saw fit to do so.
A big theme that the Lord has been teaching me lately is the beauty of building off the foundation laid by people who have gone before us. I think of Grandpa, and how he served the Lord faithfully all his life as a pastor and father. I think of Grandma, and how she is always praying for us–which is incredible because there are so many hearts she stewards. I think of my Aunts and Uncles and how they all have personal relationships with the Lord, and have raised their children to desire the same. I think of how all of these people set examples for you, and encouraged you to pursue the Lord throughout your life.
As I am reminded of all these things, I can’t help but be so grateful for the family that God has given me. I am brought to tears because you not only followed the examples set before you, but built on them. And by living your life obedient to the call of God, you have set such an amazing example for me.
Throughout my childhood, you read me countless Bible stories, took me to church every Sunday, and prayed with me before bed time. You taught me all the Veggie Tales songs along with more important things like the Lord’s Prayer. You shared the gospel with me through your words and actions, making sure that I knew God’s great love for me. It seems like you have been speaking His promises over me since before I was born.
Time and time again, you have shown me what it means to unconditionally love people. Through all the ups and downs of my life, you have never wavered in reflecting how the Father feels about me. Although I strayed, you never gave up on me. I’m sure there were many nights spent asking God what in the world was going on with me, but still you offered me grace and love. You trusted that God knew what He was doing, which isn’t always the easiest thing to do as a parent.
You are the best example I have ever seen of a selfless life. Whether it was working so that you could help provide everything that we needed as kids, or continually giving us the nicer cars while you drove the older ones, you were ALWAYS putting my needs (and wants) above your own. I’ve got some big shoes to fill when I become a mom–and I am so honored to say that.
You showed me the value of putting actions to your faith by going to Haiti multiple times over the years. The way that you love every single person you come into contact with is so inspiring.
You are strong, bold, and beautiful.
I don’t think that I tell you often enough how much I love you. So I’ll tell you right now, you are the most amazing mom a girl could ever ask for. Thank you so much for everything you have done, and everything that you will do in the future.
I had such a fun time with you this past week. These are memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. Thank you for doing this life with me.
Love,
One of your 4 grateful daughters
P.S. Matthia, Kailee, Raya…I am also very, very grateful for sisters like you. Each one of you has had a unique impact on the person that I am today, and I thank God that he blessed me with sisters like you. P.P.S. Dad, if you’ve made it this far, I love you so much. I won’t write all of the reasons why I love you here because it would be a whole other blog :). Keep an eye out for it!!
