Losing someone we love is so hard. It really turns our world upside down. I recently lost my mother and it is one of the most painful experiences I've had in my life. I am now a daughter without parents. I lost my father over 24 years ago, so my mom was the only parent my sisters, brother and I had left. I am heartbroken over the loss of my mother, but I am also at peace on a much deeper level because I know my mother has gone home to be with God. As a practicing Christian and a believer in Christ, I do not mourn my mother's death as a loss of life in the traditional sense. I view it as a transformation of earthly life to heavenly life. I mourn for me and my siblings and those who loved her because we no longer have her here in our lives. I am relieved that her worries and hardships are over and that she suffers no more from sickness and the stress of living life on this earth where the wicked seem to rule. My mother was a steadfast believer in the goodness of Christ and she shared her faith with her children (more so her daughters which is another topic for another day).
Sometimes looking at old photos are painful and sometimes they give me great joy. What I have come to realize when looking at old pictures of my family is that so many of them are already gone. I would like to say they have all transitioned to glory and are with God, but I'm not actually sure they all are. Some of us accept the Lord and some of us don't. It is a personal choice for each of us to make. In my immediate family half are already gone. I have lost my parents and a brother. I thank God for each of them and cherish the memories. I still have two sisters and a brother so I am not alone, but we are dwindling in numbers.
This also makes you realize that you should cherish and appreciate those in your life who have your back and will be there for you. I have been fortunate enough to have a few really solid people who are good friends in my life. As for my extended family, there are those who you can turn to for help, those who would help but can't and those who won't help even if they could. This is probably everyone's family. I choose to love each of them regardless, but keep a safe distance from those who keep their hearts closed to people. I really can't handle any unnecessary drama and you know family can bring it at times. I strive everyday to be better. Sometimes I fall short but most days I make a little progress. I want to be all I can be and enjoy my life as much as I can before it's my turn to be called home. I do not fear this process because I know that I will join my mother and many others in the presence of Jesus Christ and our heavenly father. I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and live my life as a born again Christian so one day I can be in his presence. It is a day that I will rejoice!! In the meantime while I am here I will continue to experience loss and I will continue to pray that God give me the strength to handle it. I know that death is inevitable but until then I plan to keep living!!!!
