The cherished memories of my Mom and I!!
I remember to this day on a cold snowy morning waking up to a warm bed and a happy home. I was just a little boy and lived in a fantasy that revolved around sonic the hedgehog and cartoons. It was like most other Saturday mornings of cereal and cartoons followed up by playing sega, and then out of nowhere you come up to me and said, “What are you doing!? It’s snowing outside and this is Georgia! Come outside and play!” I felt hesitant at first but I got all my warm clothes on because I knew my mom wouldn’t let me go outside like that. I ran outside to see my mom beaming back at me with a huge grin and some snow in her hand. She tossed some at me and the cold powder bounced off my big coat, we started to play in the snow for what seemed like a full winter. I always felt safe with her and we had the time of our life running, jumping, tossing, and kicking snow! We even made snow angels out the 1 or 2 inches we got! I remember finally going back to the house with a runny nose to having her wipe it off and even put hot coca in my hands. I got lost in time and enjoyed every second of that day. Mom, you taught me to embrace the moment and love the time we have together.
I remember as a kid and even to this day having a passion for swimming in the water. I remember every morning for a full summer going out to the community pool that was practically in our back yard and having to myself. She knows full well of how willing I am to jump in with both feet at times, even when I can’t swim. She was always there, ready to jump in and save me from the deep end and dry me off. With almost every situation in life she was ready to jump in if need be. Mom, you always had my back and showed me a certain passion of love that cannot be bought.
I remember as a kid how both my sister and I made posters and colored papers to communicate as best as we could to have her stop smoking. We cared and didn’t want her to dissolve as those ashes did. We wanted the best for our mom, because she always wanted the best for us. After all those years of smoking, she quit. Mom, you taught me perseverance, no matter the addiction. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13
I remember my favorite birthday as a boy…or should I say as a pirate! My friends and I all had patches and sticks while we were out on an adventure! We scoured the area reading off an old treasure map to find the lost treasure. There were clues back to back that led us one place to another! We finally came across the treasure under the ocean (blue couch) and celebrated our victory with an outstanding cake. Mom, you showed that in any situation you can have fun and be creative and make something memorable out of it.
I remember the Christmas’s we had as a full family and going out to see everyone. I remember my Mom taking the time and having the patience, for a long car ride with two kids and constantly stopping for us. It soon became a tradition for us and gave us a chance to spend real time and love with one another. How happy she was around the full family and the little time you had off to spend it with us, it warms my heart and gives me memories to cherish. Mom, you taught me that family is important and spending time with them means more than materialistic things in life.
I remember as a kid getting off school and having her pick me up, I rushed and ran as fast as I could into her arms. She always knelt down with arms open and ready to embrace me! One day she had to work really late and I was at “after school”, waiting for what seemed like forever. Then seeing her pull up to sign me out, I sprinted toward her and she couldn’t stop smiling as she picked me up and held me. Both of our hearts were overflowing with joy! Mom, you taught me waiting is worth finding true love.
I remember as a child disliking broccoli (What kid didn’t!?) and thought it was one of the most disgusting things ever. My sister was really into a new dinner etiquette book for children, and just had to be so proper. It was getting towards the end of dinner and my mom noticed I hadn’t touched any of my broccoli, and she told me to eat it. As a stubborn kid I just simply said no! Then she tricked me by telling me that I was a dinosaur and those are actually little trees. My whole world opened up into imagination land! I started to dive in hand and head first to eat as many trees as I could. My sister was shouting at the top of her lungs that I’m not using a fork and I’m not doing it right…. I just kinda blanked her out. However to this day I’m pretty sure my mom was laughing.
I remember the look on my mom’s face filled with sorrow, when that dreadful Santa brought me candy almost every year while I was wearing braces. As I looked around for more options, my sister was gladly shoving her face with both her candy and my candy, laughing at me. My mom showing that she just forgot and felt bad about a small mistake, helped me learn to value the little things in life.
I remember that I loved riding my bicycle as a kid and even how I started to learn. How she held me close and walked with me step by step encouraging me to brace myself and ride it out. No matter how many times I fell, you told me to get back up on it and try again through love and patience. Teaching me that perseverance is vital in life and learning is a necessary step.
I remember when I finally just found out about my dad’s death I was shocked. I didn’t know how to react and was lost for words or thought, I realized my Dad was gone after I took the first couple of steps in my dad’s house. I wrapped my arms around my mom, lost for words and cried out in pain. She held me close and gave me a solace as I cried for at least twenty minutes without stopping on her shoulder. Both of our hearts were crushed but she remained strong for the both of us, as she always did. Mom, you taught us how to stand strong for others when they need you.
I remember when I was a boy going to sleep was harder than most. I was absolutely terrified of the “shape shifter” or stranger outside, every night I saw a stranger’s shadow shift around and move in and out of place. I was confused and scared, every five minutes I called for her to come. I always felt strong and safe next to my mom and just knowing that she was on her way gave me a sense of peace. My mom spent all day working, then cooking for us and helping with homework, helping with getting cleaned and ready for the next day. But I didn’t stop there, I kept calling for you after I was in bed, but her love for me was so much that she always came with a smile. To tell me its ok and look outside that no one is there trying to get in. Mom, you showed me that patience is something to be taken with value and respect. God has blessed you with a beautiful servants heart.
I remember that she always helped where she could, even if it was correcting my grammar every time I said “me and my friend”, she would correctly say, “my friend and I”. Haha, that took years for me to figure it out. Mom, you taught me that being intellectual matters and helps you come across credible.
I remember as a teenager how you tried to reach out to me by asking things outside your interest to communicate with me, asking me about my video games. You taught me that to connect with other people is using their interest and learning about it.
I remember when both my sister and I were young, and my mom taught us how to fly a kite and boogie board at the beach! You taught us to enjoy life and live it with your children. Mom, you showed me how vital it is invest life with your children.
I remember I was extremely sick one week. I was sleeping and dreaming about swimming in a ocean, as I looked down and the ocean was vomit. I was shaking uncontrollably waking up to violently throwing up. I went to her room as a child in the dark asking for help. She stayed up late for me and cleaned my sheets and got me some medicine. She told me not to worry and it will be alright. Mom, you taught me that reassurance is so helpful when someone doesn’t look their best. You cared for me and helped me get better.
Mom, you have been so motivating and loving to me. I can’t fathom how you raised two children up so well by being single for the majority of it. You are by far one of the strongest women I know and respect out of love and gratitude. Mom, coming to Christ has been a full change for me and has impacted my life so much. It has taught me what true love is, that Jesus died for us. That sacrifice is the greatest love anyone can have. It taught me how to serve unconditionally and love inexhaustibly. I knew of God, but didn’t have a relationship with him, He tells us to know Him like Jesus knew the Father. I am building my relationship through reading God’s word and praying and striving to live a life according to his commandments. Its by far the hardest walk in life but the most rewarding, to know and speak to the creator of the universe is a blessing. You humbly served both Jess and I, and loved us with all your heart even when it seemed impossible. You’ve taught me so much in life, how to respect and apply myself, how to sing, joke, color, eat properly, behave, “cross my T’s and dot my I’s”, and so much more. I am so sorry for those nights I broke your heart and told you as a kid that I hated you; I was deceived and lost in anger. Please forgive me. I love and miss you and want you to know how much by sharing some of my memories that have shaped my life. You will forever and always have my love.
I pray that you have a new love daily for God (Matthew 22:37-40)
That you have a profound delight in God’s word. That your eyes are open to behold the wondrous things of God’s law. That He gives you understanding in all situations. (Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119:18, Psalm 119:73)
That God helps you “run with endurance the race that is set before you”! (Hebrews 12:1-2)
That your beauty is kept in “the hidden person of your heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet rested spirit”. (1 Peter 3:4)
That God fills you with immeasurable peace and faith. (Isaiah 26:3, John 14:11)
God shields your mind, heart, and body. (Psalm 28:7)
That Jesus rest His favor on you, and “establish the work of your hands.” (Psalm 90:17)
I love you Mom!!
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