Memories...the good, the bad & the ugly

These next few days will bring back memories I'd rather forget.    

Sept. 25, 2001 marks the date my Mom passed away.
Sept. 27, 2008 marks the date my Dad passed away.  

I guess it's a good thing that every year at this time I get these thoughts all over with in just a few days.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about both of my parents, but I'd rather not remember watching them die.  Mom suffered from cancer for 7 years, Dad from Alzheimer's and Diabetes...not a good combination!

I took this photo not too long before my Mom passed away.  Little did I know it would mean so much to me now.

 
Both of my parents gave so much of themselves when it came to raising my sister and I.  We were raised in a loving Christian home with not only Christian parents, but strong Christian Grandparents (on Mom's side) as well.  My parents sacrificed and worked hard to give us the best upbringing possible, and I have memories from those years that I hope to never forget!  Family devotions, game nights, vacations, ministering to old folks in nursing homes, playing our instruments together in concerts all over the state on Sunday evenings, and lots, LOTS more.  Holidays were always my favorite because we always got together with our extended family, generally on my Mom's side.  We had so many wonderful years together and I cherish every memory made. 

My husband and I are trying to do the same for our own children.  We make sacrifices (like being a one income family so we can homeschool), and work hard to raise them in a loving Christian home...giving them the tools they need to grow in the Lord and to go out into the world and be an example for others.  I hope one day when I'm long gone, my own children will feel the same way about me, as I do about my own parents...love beyond measure!  I feel more love towards my parents as I've grown older, and as I've raised my own kids, than I ever did when they walked on this earth.  I know now, just how much they did for my sister and I...something I could never have known, had I not married and had children of my own. 

God placed me into the home I was meant to be in, and for that I am forever grateful!  He also gave me a husband who completes me, and two amazing children that we were entrusted to raise.  If there's one thing that I know has been the biggest help, it's been the power of prayer.  Praying for my husband, our marriage, our children, and our children's futures have been something I've been doing since the day I said 'I do'. 

Psalm 116:2  "Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live."

 I Thes. 4:17  "pray without ceasing;"