Kellie is still in northern Wisconsin and I am supposed to be finishing my sermon for tomorrow morning, but it is difficult to do when all I can think about is the fact that today marks the 15th anniversary of my mother’s death from breast cancer. She was 36 years old (only five years older than I am now).
I looked at all the pictures my sister Tonya had scanned. I am posting two of them below. One is from my mom’s last birthday (September 3, 1991 – for some reason you have to click on it to see it). We had a big surprise party for her and she had a lot of fun. I’m glad whoever planned the party didn’t wait a year. The other picture is from my older sister Kathy’s prom. I include it because my mom looks so pretty and because you can see some of the spark that she had in her life.
As I am typing this I am listening to her favorite song, “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang. She specifically asked that it be played at her funeral. It definitely embodies my mom and the way she lived. She was always the life of the party. We all loved being around her.
When I think of her I almost always think of Romans 5:3-5. I had become a Christian only two years before mom died and during the last weeks of her life God drew me to this text. It says, “3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
I didn’t understand a lot of theology and didn’t know much of anything about the Bible, but I knew from that verse that God was in control and that he was good. I believe it all the more strongly today. God gives true hope in Jesus Christ. I am so glad.
So today I weep and grieve, but not as those without hope.
I didn’t even know that was her birthday party, thank you.
I was in my friend’s wedding yesterday…was a lil hard at times doing all that. Especially when the D.J. decided to play her song. Matt and I left for a lil while and walked around Newhall talking while everyone danced blissfully to the music.
15 years seems like such a long time… If you ever have any extra time you should write lil stories that you remember. I think Tasha would love to have those to read, and I know that I would. Love ya Dust.
Dustin,
I am so glad that you wrote that post! I have always loved hearing you talk about your mom. I only wish I could have met her. She really was a pretty lady and she really does have a sparkle in her eyes in those photos! I can tell by the way that she was sitting close to Kathy with her arm around her in the photo that she was a very loving woman and mother. I am so proud of you for all that you are and have become since her death… a man of God, a loving husband, a wonderful father, a faithful friend to so many and an amazing witness for Christ! Your mom would be so proud of you too! Thanks for sharing with us about your mom!
Dustin,
You continue to inspire me with the way you look at life and all of its challenges. I’ve never seen a picture of your mom so thank you for posting these. She was beautiful and I know she would be so proud of her son today and who he has become. Love ya brother. Hope we can see each other in a week or so.
Dustin that was such a moving tribute you wrote of your Mom. She looked so young, even in her last birthday party picture, even younger than 36. I think Lucy has definitley inherited her joyful nature and she is always the life of the party! I love you Dustin….(I have tearful eyes as I write this.)also I understand your love for your Mom because I had the same love for my Mom and still miss her too.
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