Every year around this time, I love to see the bright yellow daffodils that bring a sense of happiness and notification that spring is near. They are trumpeting the upcoming season of warmer weather. They also bring out a reflective side of me. Daffodils remind me of my mom. My mom was very involved in the American Cancer Society and their fundraiser -- Daffodil Days. As much as I love to see that first bloom on the many daffodils that I've planted in my yard, it's also bittersweet. Perhaps this year has been harder than most as my youngest child is about the age I was when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am so thankful that she was willing to try experimental medications and was willing to put her body through chemotherapy in order to have a more time on this earth. Not to mention the miracle of her surviving for nearly 12 years when she was given 6 months to live. Breast cancer research has come such a long way in 25 years! As I try to put myself in her shoes, (hypothetically, of course because I do not have breast cancer) it's hard to imagine what her days were like. I think now that I'm a mom, I have had so many experiences I wish we were able to share with her. My memories of her have gotten foggier with each year that passes. I am reminded to make sure that I'm taking time to just love on my kiddos. The time is passing so quickly and it won't be long before I won't be able to carry them, snuggle up with two of them on my lap to read books or even having the joy of being home with them before they go to school. I always say I don't want my kids to remember me for having the cleanest house, but for all the fun times we had together. As for my childhood memories, we had the farthest thing from a clean house, but I do remember the summer we drove all over the state of Ohio to visit all the president's homes -- I think there were 8 president's from Ohio!! I didn't appreciate it at the time, but find myself planning similar activites with my kids! What a challenging job it is to be a mom! I love my job and wouldn't change it for anything! I am so thankful that I've been able to stay home with our kiddos while they've been little. It's a priviledge that I sometimes don't appreciate. As I approach the age my mom was when she was diagnosed with cancer, I also am trying to do all that I can to prevent the same fate for my family. I truly want to live life according to John 10:10 where Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." The full life to me doesn't mean having the biggest house, the newest car, the nicest clothes or the job that everyone envies. It does mean having rich relationships. Someday we may have money, but for now, I'm content with where I am -- living each day to the full.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Daffodil Days
Every year around this time, I love to see the bright yellow daffodils that bring a sense of happiness and notification that spring is near. They are trumpeting the upcoming season of warmer weather. They also bring out a reflective side of me. Daffodils remind me of my mom. My mom was very involved in the American Cancer Society and their fundraiser -- Daffodil Days. As much as I love to see that first bloom on the many daffodils that I've planted in my yard, it's also bittersweet. Perhaps this year has been harder than most as my youngest child is about the age I was when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am so thankful that she was willing to try experimental medications and was willing to put her body through chemotherapy in order to have a more time on this earth. Not to mention the miracle of her surviving for nearly 12 years when she was given 6 months to live. Breast cancer research has come such a long way in 25 years! As I try to put myself in her shoes, (hypothetically, of course because I do not have breast cancer) it's hard to imagine what her days were like. I think now that I'm a mom, I have had so many experiences I wish we were able to share with her. My memories of her have gotten foggier with each year that passes. I am reminded to make sure that I'm taking time to just love on my kiddos. The time is passing so quickly and it won't be long before I won't be able to carry them, snuggle up with two of them on my lap to read books or even having the joy of being home with them before they go to school. I always say I don't want my kids to remember me for having the cleanest house, but for all the fun times we had together. As for my childhood memories, we had the farthest thing from a clean house, but I do remember the summer we drove all over the state of Ohio to visit all the president's homes -- I think there were 8 president's from Ohio!! I didn't appreciate it at the time, but find myself planning similar activites with my kids! What a challenging job it is to be a mom! I love my job and wouldn't change it for anything! I am so thankful that I've been able to stay home with our kiddos while they've been little. It's a priviledge that I sometimes don't appreciate. As I approach the age my mom was when she was diagnosed with cancer, I also am trying to do all that I can to prevent the same fate for my family. I truly want to live life according to John 10:10 where Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." The full life to me doesn't mean having the biggest house, the newest car, the nicest clothes or the job that everyone envies. It does mean having rich relationships. Someday we may have money, but for now, I'm content with where I am -- living each day to the full.
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Right on mama! Love this post.....have been thinking the same kind of things lately....these days go by so quickly...I still long for another baby but have realized recently that instead of spending time getting sad over that, I need to be taking more time to love on the precious kiddos I already have! :) Thank you for your sweet words in this blog....I'm so thankful to have you as a "mommy friend" w/ such great insight and sweet reminders!!! :) Shelly
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