Thankful November - Day 15

Today unofficially marks one year ago that my mother went to be with Jesus. I wouldn't ask her back for anything and I know she wouldn't come back for anything. I am thankful for the times we shared together, the memories we made, and the lessons she taught me, even if they were the hard way. Years ago, if someone said "you're just like your momma" I probably would've gotten offended, but now, that's the biggest compliment that anyone could give me. I strive every day to be the kind of person my mother was: loyal, honest, accepting of others, trustworthy... The list goes on and on.

Here is something I wrote for my mother's funeral, and I am still thankful today, a year-later, for the lessons she taught me.

Lessons My Mother Taught Me

· God gave you two hands: one to offer help to those in need and one to reach out to others; do not be afraid to do either
· Embrace every person around you without fear, persecution or judgment but rather with love, respect and acceptance… always
· Every rock needs a kite and every kite needs a rock. You may be someone’s rock or someone else’s kite. Be strong and support others whenever possible.
· Always be a lady and carry yourself with poise and grace but remember that its okay to let your hair down and enjoy the things that give you the most happiness. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
· Laughter with the people you hold the most dear is always the best medicine
· My mom taught me to approach everything you do with the best intentions, have faith that everything will work out for the best, and whatever you do in life, give it your everything.

· Be like thumper, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all”

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

The chorus to one of mom’s favorite songs:

Be a best friend, tell the truth

Overuse “I Love You”

Go to work, do your best

Don’t outsmart your common sense

Never let your prayin’ knees get lazy

And love like crazy

~ Lee Brice (Love Like Crazy)