Been Doing a Lot of Thinking!

This past week a friend of mine passed away. She was just a couple of weeks younger than I am so I think I might be feeling the heartache a little more since it seems to be closer to home.

I don't tend toward being very personal on my blog. I guess because I'm more of a private person in most areas of my life and especially opening up to the "worldwide web". Now that I'm stepping somewhat out of my comfort zone, I know in my heart that I need to share with all of you. Probably more for my benefit though than any one else's.

So. . .What have I been thinking about? What is it I just can't seem to shake?

You see, my friend was a wife, a mother and a grandmother. We have that in common.  She loved her family very much. We have that in common. She hurt when they hurt, she laughed when they laughed and she cried when they cried. We have that in common. She was proud of her family and enjoyed spending lots of time with them. We have that in common. She went above and beyond to make sure that they were well cared for and made it a priority to do things she knew would make them happy and comfortable. We have that in common.

I hurt for the family who is left behind to mourn their loss. Their grief and sorrow is raw and painful. Her husband has lost his wife, her children have lost their mother and her grandchildren have lost their grandmother. She was only 56 years old! My heart wants to cry out that she was taken too soon but who am I to determine the lifespan of anyone? My prayer for this family is that as they work through their loss, day by day, sweet, wonderful memories that will make them laugh and even cry will propel them to be like her in character.

The graphic I posted at the top, I have seen this before but it has now hit me in a different, more impactful way. Why?

My mom and I have always been close but that doesn't mean I didn't have the similar attitudes at the ages listed from 10 through 50. I'm pretty sure most everyone goes through these different times in their life in regards to their moms.

I am so very thankful that I still have my mom!!! I realize more and more how important she is to me. She has loved me unconditionally. She has cared for me, listened to me, laughed with me, cried with me and hurt with me. Although, there may be times when we hadn't seen eye to eye (which weren't many), I always knew that our relationship as not only mother and daughter but also of friends was secure. I know that there have been decisions and choices that I have made that she didn't agree with but through it all, she has always supported me, never judged me and certainly never turned away from me. There have probably been times that I have disappointed her but I wouldn't know that because she has never told me that.

I'm at the stage in life now where I realize more and more that "I do not want to lose my mom!". I still seek out her advice. I still share my joys and struggles with her. I still have so much to learn from her. I love her and respect her and want to be there to take care of her. I want her to be around for a long, long time and while I have her here with me, I am going to do my best to make sure that we have the best relationship we can possibly have.

So, what have I been thinking about? What is it I just can't seem to shake? Life is short. The family who lost their mom this week understand that all too clearly now. I see that now more and more the older I get. My charge to myself and to you: Spend time with your mom. Call her. Enjoy her. Make her feel that she is really loved and respected. Seek out her advice and wisdom. If she has done or said anything to upset you, don't punish her but forgive her. Remember she is like you with flaws, faults, and emotions. Hug her, kiss her and tell her you love her every day! You and I may never have another chance. I love you Mom!

In loving memory of all those who have lost their moms including my daughter's roommate who lost her mom as well this past week. May God wrap His loving arms around you and may you draw from His comfort. May He bring you His peace.

Laurie A. Hunsinger