Today, Clint and I are celebrating 7 years of marriage. It's hard to believe it's already been 7 years...it goes so fast. I am so grateful that God blessed me with a husband who seeks after Him. Clint has been such an encouragement and support to me. Especially over the last year.
As I am reminded today of this special anniversary, I realize that in just one week from today, I'll be experiencing the first anniversary of a different kind. The day my mom went home to be with Jesus.
How has it been a year already?!
This question has ran through my mind many times recently. A year seems like such a long time and yet it has gone by so fast. It's hard to fathom that I've been without my mom for a whole year already.
As I reflect on this time last year, I have good memories. A year ago today, was the last time we were out with my mom. My parents had gone out to eat with us after church and we got a good laugh when they realized they had forgotten it was our anniversary :) If I remember correctly, they insisted on paying for the meal.
In a few days, on February 6th, that will mark the last time I ever saw my mom, hugged my mom, told her face to face, that I loved her. We were at church that evening and I remember sitting with mom in class. I'm not sure how focused she was on the lesson, since Ella was sitting on my lap, distracting her :) Of course it was easy for her to be distracted whenever her grandchildren were around. After class, we said our goodbyes to my parents, since they were leaving for their trip to Florida that Friday. I would never have thought in that moment, to hug her a little longer...never thought that'd be the last time I'd ever see her.
And in one short week, February 10th, a date I will never forget. Finding out that my mom had passed away. Even now, a year later, it is still as surreal as ever. I am thankful to know that she is with Jesus, but it sure is hard no longer being able to call her up with some goofy story about the kids, or ask her some ridiculous question that I should already know the answer to. There's just something comforting about being able to ask your mom something. And probably the most difficult part of it all, knowing that my children will never truly know their grandma. I am so thankful that Wyatt does have memories and I pray that those will remain. There is just something about a mom...I know that there is no one else who will ever love my kiddos the way that she did. I am so grateful for the memories that I have of that and so thankful that she got to experience those things her heart desired.
I realize that this week, of February 3rd, will be a week filled with anniversaries. Anniversaries that I will remember forever. The amazing, the funny, the sweet, and the difficult.
I am so thankful for my God who has been with me through each moment.
From the amazing to the one that flipped my world upside down.
He has never left my side.
He has steadied my heart through it all.
Here is a song with truth that has meant a lot in this last year.
I pray it speaks to your heart too.
