Happy Birthday Mom

Tomorrow would have been my Mother's 78th Birthday.

She passed away on July 8th 1987 after dealing with a horrendous heart disease that she had to deal with her entire life.   She had  New Brunswick Disease which is where the heart calcifies due to her body creating to much cholesterol.  They did not have the meds back then like they do today.  My Mother survived 5 open heart surgeries and back then patients would spend months in the hospital.

A few years after my mother passed away,  I was still at times very depressed.  It was her Birthday and I was at work and having a horrible day.  I asked God to show me a sign, something, anything, to tell me that she was happy and safe and healthy.  Later that night after work I walked to my car and on the passangers seat was this tiny ceramic elephant.  My Mother loved elephants.  I have no clue to this day how it got there.  No one knew it was her birthday,  not even Roger,  no one had the keys to my car which locked automatically so I know I didn’t leave it unlocked.  It’s a mystery and I love having it that way. I still have the little elephant.  It's always in my kitchen to help me cook.  LOL

My Foster Mother Judy gave me this poem just before she had passed away and I find so much comfort in it.  

A Mother's Crown

Heaven lit up with a mighty presence,
as the Angels all looked down.
Today the Lord was placing the jewels
Into my mother's crown.
He held up a golden crown,
as my darling mother looked on.
He said in His gentle voice,
‘I will now explain each one.’

‘The first gem,’ He said, ‘is a Ruby,
and it's for endurance alone,
for all the nights you waited up
for your children to come home.’
'For all the nights by their bedside,
you stayed till the fever went down.
For nursing every little wound,
I add this ruby to your crown.’

‘An emerald I'll place by the ruby,
for leading your child in the right way.
For teaching them the lessons,
That made them who they are today.’ 

'For always being right there,
through all life's important events.
I give you a sapphire stone,
for the time and love you spent.’ 

‘For untying the strings that held them,
when they grew up and left home.
I give you this one for courage.’ 

 Then the Lord added a garnet stone. 

‘I'll place a stone of amethyst,’ He said.
‘For all the times you spent on your knees,
when you asked if I'd take care of your children,
and then for having faith in Me.’ 

‘I have a pearl for every little sacrifice
that you made without them knowing.
For all the times you went without,
to keep them happy, healthy and growing.’

'And last of all I have a diamond,
the greatest one of all,
for sharing unconditional love
whether they were big or small.’
‘It was you love that helped them grow
Feeling safe and happy and proud
A love so strong and pure
It could shift the darkest cloud.’

After the Lord placed the last jewel in,
He said, ‘Your crown is now complete,
You’ve earned your place in Heaven
With your children at your feet.’
Anon