A Mother's Day of Remembrance

Mother's Day and graduation weekend is coming up quickly.

You are on my heart this week Barb.  On my husbands and on my boys.  On our family.

Hard to imagine that a year ago you were organizing, making lists for me and getting graduation all together.

We miss you.

I've missed you.

When the boys are struggling-I think about you.  How many times did I call to put a bug in your ear and then you would call whichever boy we were worried about?

Just a few days ago I said, "I wish I could ask Barb about it."

David misses you.  You who taught him so much.  Who gave him hope and belief and vision.  Did you know how much he admired and respected and adored you?  He misses your voice.  Yep-the one who never talked and gave you fits for not calling misses your voice.  You are giggling about that!

The boys miss you.  Each of them have struggled in their own ways.  They've worked hard on grades and in their lives to make you proud.  All of that noun/verb and paying for grades is paying off!  Your investment is taking root.  They miss your voice.  Don't laugh, but they even miss your lectures! 

I wish I could help them see that they don't have to make you proud...you were and are proud of them all.  You used to tell them, "you have everything you need inside of you to do whatever it is you want to do."

They believed you!  If you said it, it had to be true.

I wish you knew...I hope you knew, just how much you meant to us.

How do we measure the worth of a life? 

Bank accounts, careers, celebrity status, miles logged, status, busyness, projects or social causes?

Is there a status check in heaven as to how many likes one life has?

Barb-you taught me the value of a life.  Through your life and now through your death.  You taught me that the value of a life IS valuing life.  All of it.

Pink slippers shuffling to the kitchen counter to serve hungry boys breakfast.

Giggles and laughter.

Giant purses filled with mysterious items, mints and gum all ready for wiggly boys on a pew.

Phone calls.

Cards on special days.

Nights up in prayer.

Availability.

Shopping list with everyone's favorite food.  Cereal by the case!

Lectures and stern talks.
Teaching.
Coaching.

Remembering.

Listening.

Talking.

Praying.

Being.

Believing.

Praying.

Leading by example.

Modeling.

Praying.

Believing.

You becoming part of us.  That is the value of a life.  Your investment of heartache, worry, love and time.  Your sacrifice and your love.

Happy Mother's Day Barb.  We love you!