One year ago today...

Today is a special day. One that brings sorrow, but also brings great joy! One year ago today, Mom was finally free from pain, sickness and the hardships we have on this earth. One year ago today, Mom stepped into the doors of her permanent home - heaven!

I can remember the details of a year ago as though it were yesterday. It has been a long and difficult year for myself and my family, but one in which God has shown His faithfulness and unfailing love and compassion.

There are days that I miss Mom so much. My heart just aches to talk to her and see her again. But I know that her absence from this earthly world is not the end. I know that God has a purpose in taking Mom home to be with Him. I may not like it. I may not understand it. But I can trust that God has only the best planned and this is just part of it.

Having to endure the grieving and sorrow of Mom's death has been the hardest thing I have ever experienced. Nothing can prepare you for the death of a loved one. God has taught me over the past year to lean and rely on Him in a way I have never had to before.

Through the sad and difficult times, He has taught me to rejoice and be glad. Safely tucked in His arms, with my complete trust in Him, I can continue to keep going on each day. How thankful can I be for the great God that I have and the years He gave me with my Mom!!!

Jena wrote this poem, When I Said Goodbye, in memory of Mom and describes the feelings around our house so well this past week.