This week is a week I wasn't expecting to have this early in my life (you can read more here), but are we ever expecting it? I am along with my three sisters processing the loss of our amazing mom, and trying to find our new normal without her and being there for my dad as well. Bear with me as my team has my back in the business and continues with the Q+A mini session for this post we had prior to this month's events.
Who would've known the questions Katherine asked and answers I gave her would be so appropriate for life at this moment...thank you to all of you who have messaged me, prayed for our family, and offered condolences. I love y'all so much.
Who are your heroes in real life?
NL: Teachers, firefighters, police officers, service men and women, health care workers, and anyone running towards trouble in order to help out.
Where would you most like to live?
NL: Where ever my husband and kids are, but I wouldn't say no to London I think.
What is your most treasured possession?
NL: My house burnt to the ground when I was little...old family photographs are treasures to me.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
NL: Not knowing the Lord or having a relationship with God.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
NL: Being a good mother. Nothing will ever top raising our three boys who are becoming the best human beings I could ever imagine.
Added...last week after we brought my mom home to hospice care, we gathered around her bed and we spent all day and most of the nights just speaking to her from our hearts.
Among the things I told her was how my boys will say to me..."you're such a good mom" and how I tell them "I am a good mom because I had a good mom." She laughed when I told her how much I love doing laundry and cutting grass all because those were my "jobs" growing up.
She smiled when I told her how much I love to garden...again, that was from her. She smiled deeper when I shared how I'm trying to get my boys to love it too, although they're not there yet, they do notice when the fountain is low and will refill it because they know the birds need their daily baths.
I'm sure my list will grow, of things I love because of my mom or ways that I am like my mom. She was tough because she wanted us to be strong. I know that now. But she was tender when she needed to be. I know it wasn't easy, raising us girls (she got 4 of us really right) but in the end, as we sat by her side, with her doing roll call of each of our names, checking on us repeatedly as she lay there processing her life, I know there is no greater achievement in her (or my) book than giving all you have to be the best parent you can. She was indeed.
What is your motto?
NL: “The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much.” - Norman Vincent Peale