A Reflection of My Mother’s Life
Personal Note
Last week I shared that my mom was in ICU, and she was ready to go to heaven. About five days later, the hospital released my mom to go to her personal home. As I was in there visiting her, she was asleep and then awakened and looked me in the eyes, and she said, Ed, Home Sweet Home! I said, yes, mom, Home Sweet Home! A couple of days later, late Sunday evening, my mom passed and went home to heaven.
Our Perspective
Over the past four days, I have been reflecting on my mother’s life, moving through the waves of emotions and the gift of life she gave me and my sister. Her love for us and God was tangibly displayed in many ways.
The Value of Her Words
The past two weeks have been so precious for me personally reminiscing privately with my mother. Every word she shared suddenly became a priceless treasure! In the natural, time became of infinite value. My mom’s dad left when she was seven years old and became homeless in our city for 35 years. My mom’s mother passed away young. My mom was pregnant with me at age 16. I feel to encourage someone reading this - you’re not an accident and you have a dynamic future and a hope!
My mom married my dad at age 17. My dad was an abusive alcoholic but thankfully was delivered of that after 20 years. When my mother was in the ICU, I asked her what brought joy to her life? She said, raising you and your sister! She was so gracious in honoring our families. My mother shared that in all her struggles, it caused her to deepen her relationship with God and grow in trusting Him. Hearing this, brought tears of gratitude towards my mother. Her ability to raise my sister and I in a tumultuous, abusive, alcoholic home, protect us from our drunken father and make the most amazing meals daily out of whatever we had was truly remarkable! Her work ethic, agility and loving words had a way of bringing sunshine into many days of darkness.
Personal Life Reminders and Reflections From Spending Time with My Mother
1). The tremendous value of being fully present in relationships.
2). Life is not a dress rehearsal - Be intentional to live with purpose.
3). Forgiveness is love in action.
4). Every word matters - make them count.
5). Create with what you were given because you have purpose.
6). The power of honor and gratitude have a way of melting away the negative memories.
7). My mom was a quiet person and still touched the nations.
8). Build life around priorities that matter.
9). Love goes beyond words - Love is action.
10). Life and business are all interconnected.
Final Thoughts
Everyone has promise despite their scars. My mom lived on earth for 75 years while facing tremendous adversity. Her faith pulled her through those moments. I love my mom and will deeply miss her. I heard it once said, that if we understood the scars from someone’s past, we would extend tremendous grace through their growth journey.
In gratitude and honor,
Ed Garner