Dear Mommy,
We had to tell you today was your birthday. You didn’t know how old you were and so we let you guess until you got it right. Today you turned 88 years old. The year is 2020 and the world seems to be a different place than it once was. I am almost thankful you don’t know all that is going on. In a strange way the Alzhheimer’s/Dementia have kept you from the real world, since most of the time you seem to be in a world of your own. It has been over a year since I have seen you. But the memories of our last visit and this picture of us are always close to my heart. We talked on the phone for 12 minutes today! That is the longest conversation we have had in years! I know it is your birthday, but those 12 minutes were a gift for me!
There are so many things I want you to know. I am so thankful that God made you my mommy. You are my first and forever best friend. You made sure that I had roots and wings and was proud of my heritage and where I came from. But most importantly, you made sure that I had a personal relationship with Jesus and that I had grounded myself in faith and stood strong on His promises. I am the woman I am today because of all you instilled in me about the unwavering love of Christ.
Honestly mommy…I long to ask you so many things, for you to give me advice, and have you pray over me like you use to. I really miss you. The you, you use to be. Sometimes it’s really hard mommy, so much has happened in my life over the years, and this year has been especially hard. That’s when I hear your voice, your words of godly wisdom, and I get on my knees and talk to our Heavenly Father.
I’m not sure when I will get to see you again in person, so until then I promise to always try and make you proud of me. To be the girl you raised to stand strong with my eyes turned to Jesus. To read all I can get my hands on. To suit up daily with the full armor of God, knowing that it’s a battlefield out there. To use what God has given me, to serve Him, and others. To align my dream’s with God’s calling on my life.
I will never forget that during our last visit, I got to wash and brush your hair. You didn’t know, but tears slowly streamed down my face as I remembered you doing the same for me as a little girl. What an honor that was for me to do this for you.
So today on November 15th, I celebrate you! I thank God for you! Happy birthday mommy from your baby girl.
*Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Proverbs 31:28
Love Always,
Heather Dawn
fearlesslyhopeful.com 