A Letter To My Mom

Dear Mom,

 
Today you turn 86 years old. I thought about what to get you, after all you have given me so much in my life. Of course, there is nothing I could think of that would celebrate you the way I wanted. So, I decided to put my pen to paper and write you an old-fashioned letter. (except that now it’s more like my fingers to the keyboard) I want you to know how much I thank God that you are my mom. I came along late in your life at the age of 41. When others would say to me, “oh, you were a surprise baby”, you always corrected them stating, “no, she was no surprise, she was invited.” I never knew how much I would appreciate that in my life, knowing from the very beginning that I was wanted. You always had my back, were always in my corner and were my biggest encourager. You taught me about Jesus before you taught me my A, B, C’s. The wife of a pastor, a nurse, and the mother of four daughters…I will never know how you did it all. By the time I came along you had set aside your nursing career. You were assisting dad in ministry, raising us four girls, and your eyesight had begun to fail. I will forever be grateful for the lessons you taught me, especially the hard ones that helped shape me into the woman I am today. Thank you for grounding me, for disciplining me, and instilling morals in my life. I smile as I recall the motherly phrases you would say to us all… “If you’re bored, then read a book!” “Get up you will feel better!” “Buck up kid, you can do this!” “Good show kid!” I can still hear you saying to me… “You are never alone Heather, God sees you and He is right here with you.” “My sweet daughter, God will never waste your pain and He sees ever tear you shed.” I look back now as a mother myself and I see how selfless and sacrificing you were at times. We never went without, you and daddy made sure of that. You are my very first and forever best friend. You taught me more than college ever could. You kissed my skinned knees and watched over me when I fell in that yellow jackets nest, creating a homemade remedy that would take away the pain. You wiped away my tears when the world seemed so unkind, but most importantly you prayed over me. You taught me to be strong, confident, and to go for my dreams. All the while making sure that I knew to align my dreams with God’s calling on my life.

When I graduated high school you gave me a book of quotes and inside the cover you wrote, “Heather, I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you-I can take you to church, but you must believe for yourself-I can teach you love and kindness and tell you about the pitfalls of life, but I can’t cushion your every hurt-I can send you to school, but I can’t make you learn-I can teach you high ideals and worthy goals, but you must obtain them. It’s your move daughter, I love you, mother.” Little did I know at the time, but I would read those words over and over again. You knew my love for the written word and taught me to read everything I could get my hands on. Alzheimer’s/Dementia has decided to change some things, but I can still see you in there. I long to ask you for motherly advice and to have one of our long talks about the goodness of God. But these days our conversations consist of the weather and songs from old musicals. You won’t be able to read this letter, instead I will read it to you. It seems strange to say while you are still here, but I miss you mommy. I hope you would be proud of me. I will never be able to repay you for all you have done in my life, so on this day I celebrate you! I thank you for being you!

I thank God that He made you my mommy!

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Proverbs 31:28

Happiest of birthdays,
Love always, Your daughter,

Heather Dawn

Philippians 1:6