So last night I went to the Rodeo- for our 2nd annual "GNO" (Girls night out). We had a great time but I couldn't help but think that this time last year- I went to the Rodeo ten days before my Mom passed away. I was very torn about going because I knew that my Mom was getting worse and felt I needed to be with her as much as possible. After talking to my Mom, Dad and Husband, I decided that I needed a good night out away from all I was dealing with. I laughed, rode death trap carnival rides with one of my best friends, and sang my heart out to Blake Shelton. (out of tune but still had a blast!).
The following week when I went to visit Mom- it was apparent that she was going down hill at lightening speeds. I immediately felt guilty for going to the rodeo. I showed Mom the videos of me singing and screaming like a teenager, and told her all about my experience. She smiled and told me she was glad I went. Little did I know- that would be my last visit with her. I left on Saturday, She passed away at 4:00 a.m. on Monday morning.
This is how amazing our God is. I was alternating weeks to visit Mom if I couldn't go every single week - it was a 280 mile one way trip, plus I had my family and job to tend to. If I would NOT have went to the rodeo, I would have gone to visit that weekend- and would have missed the final week of my Mom's life. I get chill bumps just thinking about it. He knew it was about time for her to go home, but allowed me that little bit of time with her in her final days. That little twist in events allowed me to take pictures, love on her and reassure her that she was going to be ok.
Before Mom was diagnosed, we had bought Taylor Swift concert tickets. I was so excited to go with her, the last concert I had been to was years ago- and not with her. We talked about getting shirts made so we could look cool and we were going to make signs. My Mom loved going to concerts and had been to several with my Dad and my brother. Three short months later she was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. We had to sell the tickets because her body was too weak and her immune system was too low to be around that many people. I REALLY wish we could have went to that concert. I asked myself, why did we wait so long to plan that? We could have went to see any of her favorite artists- at any time....and had that awesome experience together.
The answer is simple....we believe we have all the time in the world, so there is always time to do everything. We believe that we and our loved ones will be around for a long time...so we just say "next time". Next year, next Christmas, next vacation- may not come, so my advice is to do it NOW. We only have today. It sounds cliche but oh so true....don't put off tomorrow what you can do today. Our days our numbered whether we want to believe it or not. What is one thing your Mom has been asking you to do, or if your Mom is no longer with you- your husband, daughter, son, or close friend? Make those memories, because one day- it could be all you have left. I am thankful that I made many memories with my Mom- and I will treasure them always.
Be Blessed!
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