Mom

Why is this post two days late?? Partly because I didn't want to write this post (like usual it makes me so sad), and two I have been SOO incredibly busy! Well as you can see my busyness has come to end, so now I have time for things like this.

8 years...It has been 8 years since she took her last breath here on earth and 

the first breath of eternal life. 

I remember December 13, 2002 so vividly. The day started off OK. I had spent the night with mom in her hospital room. Auntie Laurie came during breakfast time to help her eat. We had been visited by the doctor in the morning and somewhere between the doctor's visit and eating jello, Mom aspirated some of the jello into her lungs. I don't know how it happened or what happened next because it all went so fast, but the next thing I knew we were being told this was the end for her. I can see her mouth as clear as it was yesterday, "Mija, I see the white light. The angels are calling me." I have no idea how I got the courage..but I told her "then go mommy...go." (With all that I was, I wanted to get her up and take her home so we could go back to the way things were..cooking in the kitchen, unfortunately that wasn't going to happen). I knew then that as a sad as it was going to be for us, she was going somewhere far bigger, more beautiful, and more peaceful than I could ever imagine. I think most everyone was there but I can only picture certain people. Pastor Dave, Temple, and Mr. & Mrs. Bowden had come to give her a blessing. Margaret and Johnny Russ had been there with us the whole day. I remember being outside her room and then the nurses calling for us as the machines began to beep. The next thing I knew...she was gone.

My mom taught me soo many things growing up. She showed me how to be selfless, what it meant to work hard, love people no matter what they do back to you, and most importantly she showed me what it looked liked to be devoted to your family.

 

She was soo goofy. Telling stories in their entirety was her specialty.   

We were constantly laughing and having a good time. 

She was my best friend.

  

This year has seemed to be a rough for me in so many ways, which has caused me to miss her the most since she has been gone. I long to run into her arms, barry my face in her chest, let my tears fall all the while she rubs my hair and tells me everything will be ok. 

  I am grateful that I can feel her presence and her guidance despite her absence. 

I hear her advice, and seem to know what she would say when I need it. Coincidence..no. 

Is she my guardian angel...absolutely!  

 

During one of my many moments of missing her recently and thinking back 8 years ago, I asked Greg how do we make it through that first Christmas. Did we celebrate Christmas? What did we do?? I can't remember, but somehow we did.  

Aunty Connie gave us a poem that first Christmas that I thought I would share.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,  see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. 

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold. 

It was always most important the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, my Father said to do.
I can't count the blessing or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and Wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year

I miss you so much mom! I love you!!

(Thank you Dana for the flowers! They are beautiful!)

Today my readers...you get a special treat! A guest author...his blogging debut....

To the greatest Mother-in Law and best friend a Son-in Law could ever have!  

Cindy you are missed so much not just by your girls!  I miss you more than anyone would ever know because I normally do not talk about these kinds of things.  This being 8 years since you entered heaven, I thought I need to write something as I sat here and cried as Steph made her post.  Cindy you are missed so very much by your girls!   There is not a day that goes by that your girls, as well as I, do not think about and miss you!  You were always the person that was there for me when I needed something.  You were my best friend very shortly after Steph and I started dating.  I miss all of the times that we spent together, especially the trips to Disneyland with Steph and I.  You influenced me to be a person who does for others first and how to be selfless!  I am truly grateful for all that you did for me and all of the many lessons I learned from you!  I just want to say thank you for allowing me to marry your daughter who is the Greatest Wife, Women, Best Friend, and Mother in the World!  

She is all of these things because of You!  Thank You!

 Cindy I miss you very much!  I Love You!!

Love,

Greg