We are so glad that Daddy could be with us during this time of celebration ... yet, we also knew and anticipated that his visit would also magnify that fact that Mama isn't with us. Oh, I know she sees and has the hugest smile on her face.
As much as we are excited to know that Mama is having a blast in Heaven with a lot of loved ones and resting and singing with Jesus, we have shed some tears because we miss her too.
A couple years ago when my nephew was graduating we knew that she had met her goal. I encouraged her to set a new goal ... that her granddaughter would be graduating in just two short years ... but she just couldn't hold on that long. She loved to give gifts, though and had begun to collect things for gifts.
We had been planning for Meg's Graduation Party and thankfully I had a lot of help. My team of friends just jumped right in and took so much stress off of me and I am so very grateful. Late Friday night I was already exhausted but had to start making my sloppy joe meat for Meg's party. I started cooking and I knew that if my mom could've been she would be here and if they couldn't have made it I would have called her right then ... that is when the tears first began (yep, there may be tears in that meat). The next morning, Grandpa called Meg in to give her a graduation gift from her Grandma ... and I found them both in the living room, crying. Happy times ... but emotional, too.
Just before leaving the house I knew that I had to get Grandma and Grandpa's recipes into Meg's cookbook. Although I have lots more to add, I wanted theirs in there when I gave it to her at the party. Going through the pictures, yet again, caused the tears to spill. I think it is good for all of us to be together during this time.
I talk about God's mercy and grace a lot ... because it's ever present. So many people from various chapters of our life came to celebrate Meghan yesterday. It was a joy to catch up with those we call friends. At the end of a fun filled, yet exhausting day, one special friend who was there through the entire thing (leading up to the big day, setting up, decorating, cooking, shopping, serving, cleaning up) also brought a load to my house because it didn't all fit in the car. I gave her a big hug and told her that she filled in as a great "substitute" for my mom. No, my mom can't be replaced but it was a gift from God that He sent her to be in the role and help in such a way that it felt like Mom was here...in a more physical way than I know she was. I could receive that hug from her and it brought comfort ... lol, yes and more tears.
I am thankful that God cares about each little detail of our lives ... it doesn't matter how big or small. He gives us special gifts.
Until next time ... watch for the gifts He brings ... and also watch for opportunities to BE the gift. <3
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