Thankful

Yes, I know that I have already done a Thanksgiving post, and yes, I know that it is mid-January, but I have to say that I am so thankful on so many levels. 

My sweet Mama won her battle with renal cell carcinoma and went to be with our Heavenly Father on December 10, 2011.  This was so unexpected, and the most difficult thing that I have ever experienced in my entire life, but I am thankful.  Thankful?  You wonder how I can be thankful when I just lost my mother? 

My mother was one of the sweetest, toughest, most precious women that I have ever known, and I am thankful that she is my mother.  I am thankful that Sophie got to know her Nana and spend so much time with her in the short year and 9 months that they had together.  I am thankful that God allowed us to have 6 years with our Mama after she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  I am thankful that Mama used that time to glorify Him and was such a strong example for all of us, even when she was so sick.  I am thankful that we took advantage of the time we were given with our mama to make special memories that can never be erased. 

I am thankful to be part of a family that is so close and supportive of each other, even during the toughest of times.  I am thankful that when difficult decisions had to be made, we all knew what needed to be done, and we all wanted the same things.  I am thankful to have a family that can pick up and move forward during the most difficult times, even when all of us cannot be there to carry our weight.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I am thankful that I will see my mama again one day in heaven.  That, people, is a comfort that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Thank you so much for your many prayers for us during this difficult time.  We have felt each and every one.