Happy Birthday Mom...

Dear Mom,
You would have turned 60 years old on your birthday, September 17th. I wonder all the time what my life would be like to have you around, but this time, I can't help but feel like I really need you right now. I get torn sometimes just thinking how unfair it is that you had to go so early and how I feel sad that my children didn't have the pleasure of meeting you and having a grandmother who I know would've loved them to pieces. I admit, I envy those who have their mothers to support them as they raise their kids or when they have their mothers to help them around the house when they get sick or need a break. There were many times I had gone through things that I know only a mother would understand and wish you were here for me to confide in. I just feel like you were never meant to go so soon, but who am I to argue about it. If this was God's plan, I can't do anything, but surrender it to Him. I can't argue against His will and whatever reason my life turned out the way it did, I have to remember what the Bible says, "And we know in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. I hold on to that verse not only for myself, but also for you because I remember strongly how much you loved the Lord. I'm sure as you were clearly aware that your life was coming to an end, the only thing you could do was pray that God would take care of your children and that our lives would turn out just fine without you. In my heart, I believe that God heard your prayers and He's done an awesome job answering it. I know our lives aren't completely perfect, but my sisters and I turned out better than expected knowing that our lives could have been totally destroyed without having you there throughout our younger days when we needed you the most. So, now that I've followed in your footsteps to serve God with all my heart, I have a greater appreciation for you and for my own children. While I'm still breathing, I promise to love my boys the way you have loved me when I was a child--kind, compassionate, patient, selfless, and sensitive to their needs. My prayers for them is the same prayer you shared with me the very last time I saw you. These were your words, "I pray that you will always love the Lord because if you do, He will take care of you. I pray that you will study hard and finish school and that you will marry the right person. Remember not to do unto others what you don't want done to you. Love each other." I was only 11 years old when I heard you say this and for most of my life, I didn't even seem to care about those words until the day that I found myself and knew that God needed me to change my lifestyle. It wasn't until I desperately needed God, that made me reflect upon the meaning of your prayer and how much I needed it to become a reality. Soon after I made the choice to pursue a life in Christ Jesus, my life has been blessed beyond measure. So, thank you Mom. Thank you for everything and even though you've been gone for 22 years, you are always in my thoughts each and every day. I know I'll see you again and when I do, I can't wait to be mother and daughter once again...
Happy Birthday, Mommy... XoXoXo

Love,
Dahlia