Monday, November 30, 2015

 
 I want to share a few of the valuable lessons I have been learning as I walk this journey
with our dear Mother, during the last few weeks.  I now have a few moments to reflect
on it all.  She is still with us, however, her days are becoming fewer.
But, as with all times of sorrow and times of joy, life lessons abound.

I have been overwhelmed with the kindness, love, and care that others have blessed
us with.  I have drawn my own conclusions from these heartwarming gifts. 

If I feel a gentle nudge to send an email, a text, a card, or a make a visit, do it!
Whatever form that nudge may take, do not ignore it.  I have in my past.  There have
been times in my life when I knew someone what going through an extremely
difficult, or painful, or lonely journey, and I clearly felt that nudge, and I spent
time talking myself out of it, perhaps with thoughts like;

They probably are already overwhelmed from other's gestures.
or
I am sure I would not know the correct words to write.
or
I just don't have the time.
or
What would they think if "I" sent them something, or dropped off something,
especially if I didn't know them well.

Believe it or not, I have used each of these excuses already in my life.


Not anymore though.
Not after my last few weeks.
No, now it won't happen.
You know why?
Because I have learned just how very special an unexpected text, email, phone call,
card in the mailbox, which might even include a teabag, a container of homemade or store bought soup, fresh flowers, an iced coffee drink, fresh fruit,
cookies can be.


All, are ways that can lift one's spirits, and lighten one's load.
I know.  I've learned on a first hand basis.
I can't possibly do it for everyone in my life, but, when I feel those gentle nudgings,
I will no longer ignore them, or excuse them away.

 
The gift of time with those you love, has got to be my favorite of blessings.
I had that this Thanksgiving.  I had my family with me.  We celebrated Christmas
together, because we knew it would not happen in December.
 
 
We celebrated with joy, all the while holding an underlying sadness
in our hearts, knowing that it would only be a matter of time that we said
our "goodbyes" to our Mother and Grandmother and Great-Grandmother.
 


I close this post, by sharing this reminder from my heart.  Whatever you are prompted to
do for others, do it, on your life journey.  I promise you, that no matter how small it may be,
it will make a huge difference in another's life.  We all need each other.  Thank you to
each and everyone of you, for sharing your heart gifts with me during these last few
weeks.  What a blessing you all are!


And, sometimes a sweet little smile from a good friend's little girl, is the way one's spirits
can be lifted the highest. In between the tears, I still find moments of joy.
I pray that it lifts your spirits also, today.

Thank you for stopping by, and for not forgetting that I still have a blog;).

11 comments:

Stacey said...

Sweet Judy, I hope you are doing ok. Your post is so uplifting even though you are the one going through a hard time.


I experienced just what you are talking about in January when I had surgery. Times like that really do put things into perspective and make you realize that we need to reach out when we think of it.

Debbie said...

I am glad you took a moment to update. I have wondered how you were doing as you go through this season with your sweet mom. I do know how difficult it can be, and yet how right you are that the kindness and thoughtfulness of others is what gets you through. LOVE that your joy is still there, and you see His love around you. Blessings to you! Debbie

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Awe, wish I could reach out and give you a big ole hug. I have walked this same path and it is so, so difficult. My Mom died 7 years ago tomorrow and it's something you get through but never get over. May the Lord fill you with comfort and peace that only HE can give. Hugs!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I am so sorry Judy, I am just now seeing this news about your mom. Those days with my own mom are still fresh in my mind, as we knew her time was drawing near. Our lives are so full of our parents, and our past, and our mother's... they are our hearts, as we are theirs.

I pray that god will continue to take good care of each one of you as you walk through this time. Your friends and family are so important, and you are so blessed with lots of those.

I pray that God will gently walk her through these final days as well, and that the peace that passes all understanding will surround you all.

Love & prayers are heading your way as we share these blog updates.

Christine said...

Dear Judy,

Your words are soft and sweet. With all that you have going on, you took the time to share with us your wisdom. I too, have used those excuses to put off, what needs to be said or done.
Bless you and your family during this time of transition. Just sent off a pray for your mother and now one for you.

Peace!

Judy said...

I was so glad to see your post today...as I was wondering how things were going in your corner. And how like you to encourage us while you are going through this difficult journey with your mother! May you continue to feel the love and prayers of friends in the days ahead. Wishing you and your family the peace, comfort and joy that only God can give. Hugs!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Your hope and love shines through even in the hard moments. Continued prayers, dear friend.

Happy@Home said...

So nice to see an update from you, Judy. You and your family have been in my thoughts daily. So glad you could all be together for Thanksgiving, although I know it must have been very bittersweet. I appreciate you sharing the lessons you are learning through all that you are going through. It is a very good reminder for me today. It often does seem hard to know just what to do in these circumstances to let others know that you care.
Sending gentle hugs your way.

Jaybird said...

I am just sending you a Texas sized hug. I think of you often and pray that God will shower His peace over you.
Blessings to you and your family,
J

Unknown said...

Just want you to know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you. It sure is hard to say "good by" to your mom. I know from experience. Cling to the Christian's Blessed Hope for the future. Doesn't heaven seem so much more real??
Love and prayers,
Linda

Kathleen said...

My heartfelt condolences, sweet friend. Leave it to you to connect a loss to such beautiful thoughts. What precious wisdom!

Love & huge hugs,
Kathleen

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