#23 - Mom

Thankful Challenge #23 - I can't mention my dad without also mentioning my mom.  They were married for 50 1/2 years!!!  They got married when she was 18 and he was 21, so they really did grow up together. Last Thanksgiving Day when Dad got sick, all of the dreams they had for their retirement vanished.  Mom stood by Dad's side throughout his 2 months in the hospital and 3 months in a rehab facility.  She was tireless in her efforts to advocate for him and assure that he receive the best care possible.  Then, in April, she brought him home so he could spend his last days on earth in the place he loved most.  He required complete care, and she did it all...turning him, changing him, dressing his wounds...everything.  Most importantly, when it became obvious that he wasn't going to recover and instead was going to leave this earth far sooner than any of us had imagined, she loved him right to the gates of heaven.  He went to be with Jesus with Mom right by his side - faithful to the end.  Watching Mom care for Dad for eight months was the greatest example of love I have ever witnessed.

The way Mom cared for Dad is the way she has cared for our family throughout the years.  She is a nurturer at heart, and she shines in her ability to care for others. She was with me, Shelly, and Paige when we welcomed our children to this world and took wonderful care of both the babies and the new mommies. When people are sick or hurting, she knows just what to do.  I am so thankful for Mom and the way she blesses our family!

I love this picture of Mom and Dad!
  Christmas 2009