A Letter to my Mom
29.6 years ago, you unbenost risked your life to save mine. Little did you know that you had given birth to a 3lb 1oz premie baby girl. I can’t imagine the confusion and overwhelming emotion you felt days after giving birth and weeks later when I came home from the hospital.
I remember the unconditional love you showed day in and day out. Our Saturday morning dates typically began with a Burger Chef breakfast, visiting with friends and family, and a shopping trip to Parks Belk. I was the center of your world. You were my biggest fan, and we were inseperable.
As the teenage years came, I know more often than not that I pushed your limits to the max. You continued to instill morals and values in my life through all the discipline and grounding. You taught me more than you realized at the time.
When it came time for me to choose a college, you supported my decision to enroll at UT without dad’s support. You knew that I would fulfill a dream that had been planted as a small child.
During college, you prayed for me and gave me to The Lord. You knew my walk was weak, my life was me centered, but your prayers never ceased, your love never waivered, and your support was constant.
When I entered the work force, you’re the first person I called when I realized I was unhappy and needed a career change. You spent countless nights on the phone at 12AM consoling me to reassure me that The Lord would guide me towards his path for my life.
You encouraged grad school, helped fund my MAT, and graciously allowed me to take up residence at Cape Drive once again. The fridge went from being empty (in my mind) to always have an unlimited supply of food.
You listened to 4.5 years of stories from my classroom and offered support when needed. You loved my kids well, and you loved me exceptionally well.
When this crazy God-sized dream of The World Race came to fruition, you were skeptical. You took time to listen, realized the Lord was at work and I had been called to the mission field. You’ve become one of my biggest supporters as I fulfill God’s calling on my life.
We have not always been the closest, but through all the events in my life, you never gave up on me. You may not have always been the proudest parent, but your love never failed. Your prayers never ceased, as you knew my heavenly father had great plans for my life.
As you fight this battle with cancer, I am battling with you. I am battling with you half way around the world, emersed in a country that is starving to experience the gospel. I may not be physically present, but my thoughts and prayers are fully vested in you. The Lord is with Dr. Midas and company as he performs your surgery. I pray that you continue to seek refuge in him. He is the ultimate healer and lover of our souls. You have countless people lifting you up.
I am happy God chose you to be my mother, and I am proud of your courage and boldness to remain strong in your faith at such a wavering time. You truly are a blessing to my life and to those around you. May your light continue to shine today and always. I love you to the moon and back.
My prayer for you during this time:
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
-Psalm 46:1-2a
