Saturday, December 5, 2015

Every Time I See Purple. . . I Think of Her

He wore purple to the Missions Night. 
Our Youth Pastor. 
He didn't know it was the Eve of her home going. 
It made me think of her. 
She would have loved his outfit. 
She would have told him. 
So, I did. 
And today she's been gone for 3 years. 
Her smile and laughter missed by all who knew her. 
This is a repost from last year. 
It is my walk. 
The journey God has placed before me. 
I am grateful I worked through the tough season with my mom to be able to love and serve her in her last days her on this earth. 
If you have relationships that are fragmented. 
Work. 
To make them holy. 
Strive to be peace. 
I for one am grateful I did. 

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She Loved God, She loved purple, She was our Mom
December 5, 2014

She loved purple.
She loved God. 
She and my dad fought often during their married life. 
Good old knock down drag out fights. 
Yet loved fiercely. 
They stayed true to the institution of marriage. 
Maybe that was the secret. 
Things weren't left undone. 


For better, or worse. 
Her home was immaculate. 
She and my dad built their dream log cabin in the woods. 
They had plans to travel. 
God had other plans.
She would travel; 
but mostly only as far as Boston; to the inside of a hospital.
Cancer would be her companion for 9 years. 
She would learn to live with this unwanted roommate. 
Her life not much altered. 
Cancer would not have the last word; 
she prayed. 


She trusted. 
Even when my dad showed signs of shacking up with the memory thief. 
She never wavered. 
She just added doctors visits and chemo to her daily tasks 
and busy social calendar. 
She persevered with a fierce resolve.


For a season of my life I was at odds with my mom. 
Our views of the world different. 
Hers, through rose colored glasses; me through concrete realism. 
Until one day, with the help of my Mother in law, I began to see that relationship in a different light. 
A changed perspective; work. 


A relationship worth fighting for. 
And I did. 
I changed. 
God blessed. 
I had the honor and privilege of caring for my mom. 
And I miss her. 



It is two years since she journeyed home to be with Jesus. 
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. 
I am reminded of her in so many ways. 


A random purple gift bag in with the Christmas ones, 
A purple Christmas tree in a shop. 
A laugh; each Christmas ornament on the tree,
 given to each of the kids, each year. 
A legacy. 
A reminder. 

This Christmas Season as we celebrate, I think about my mom. 
She made Christmas beautiful and holy. 
It was magical and reverent all at the same time. 
Even Santa bowed low to the Magnificence of a Savior born.
Her enthusiasm was contagious. 
She never met a stranger. 
She loved music; all kinds. 


And now she dwells with the Most High. 
Her pain all gone. 
She also resides with my boy. 
And I am sure there is great rejoicing in the heavenly realms. 

Mom, I am grateful for the years I was able to spend with you. 
I am glad God helped to make our relationship what it was. 
I am so thankful for your witness to our living God. 
Because I never would have been able to walk this road with out the rock solid faith you showed in every aspect of your life. 

Last year I wrote these words. And they resonate with my heart this day. 

Jesus is the name above all names. 
He who is called by many names:
Jehovah Jireh - my provider
Jehovah Rafa - my healer
Wonderful Counselor
Prince of Peace

It is at this name we bow. 
It is at this name that I have my strength and being. 
It is for this name we celebrate Advent.
Bowing low to wait.
Leaning in to hear and wonder at it all. 
Come Lord Jesus;
make us into a people that long to hear your name

 above the clatter of the season,
above the pain of searing grief and loss and
above any other name that distracts.

Let this great news, bring us great joy. 

Jesus Mesiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of All

Chris Tomlin
Jesus Messiah


2 comments:

  1. I think of your mother often... Always happy with a huge smile and of course wearing purple. Her long nails painted purple, sitting at the kitchen table writing using a ruler so the lines were perfectly straight. Noce memories...An amazing lady who is missed by many. Hugs to you.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for remembering. Yes! Her long nails her Christmas cards all done with a ruler So many memories.

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