My blog this month is a tribute to my mom, Betty, who this month went home to be with the Lord. Although my heart is breaking in two, my mind is filled with memories I will always treasure. Memories of a mom who showed me the closest thing I had known to unconditional love. And it was her love and guidance that opened the door for me to open my heart and receive the unconditional love that God has for me.

It was my mom who took me by the hand as a child and led me to Sunday school. It was my mom who taught me how to set my mind on things above. And it is a wonderful legacy that she leaves behind.

My mom especially during the last years of her life set her mind on things above. One day many years ago my mom made a decision and this is what she told me: “Dorothy, I absolutely refuse to become a nasty old lady in my elder years. I do not want my children to remember me that way.”

You see she had seen some of her friends become demanding, impatient and ungrateful. It had a profound effect on her.  My mom had a stubborn streak and it kicked in and she unwaveringly set her mind on that goal. And by the grace of God she has been to us a beautiful example of the fruit of the spirit manifesting in her life. 

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control.”

As her daughter I was one of her caregivers.  It was a precious time together that I will always treasure.

My mom constantly expressed her love and appreciation for any small thing anyone did I for her.

She would say to me, “Dorothy, your father (who is already in heaven) would be so proud of you and the way you take care of me. You are so good to me. You are a good nurse.” It always made me smile when she called me a “good nurse” because I am really rather clumsy at it.

Many of the things she would do for me as a child I would do for her. So whether I was styling her hair or helping her with her bath, those memories are very special, filled with reminiscing and laughter.

But as I reflect on the many things my mom taught me, I am the most grateful my mom taught me to “Set my mind on things above.” A mind that is set on doing things God’s way. A mind that is set on doing things God’s way will quickly realize it is impossible to do it without God’s help. But the good news is that help is there for all of us.

My Mom was such an example of that in the way she remained so loving and patient and grateful each day she had with us.

One of the most special moments I had with my mom was when we prayed together. My mom loved to pray. I will always remember the day I took her hand, the very hand that led me to Sunday school so many years ago. And I led her in a prayer of a personal confession of her faith. And she boldly declared Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

Such wonderful memories of a beautiful Woman of God who left a powerful legacy for her children!

And as I “Set my mind on things above,” God has turned my mourning into dancing… because I know my precious mom is now in heaven.