August 8th.

Although, everyone is aware that death is a part of life and that we all will die, it does not make it hurt any less.

When we learned my mom had cancer last July we had hope that she was going to beat it. That God was going to heal her. On August 8th, we had no choice but to accept that God needed her more. It hurts that He did not find it fit for her to stay a little longer with us. I want her with us so badly it hurts every part of my body.

It is hard to come to terms that she is no longer with us.
My mom, my favorite lady in the entire world is no longer here.
That hurts so much.

She was not only incredible to her family but to so many people. At her funeral it was no surprise that there were over 500 people who came to pay their respects. In fact, our funeral director said that he had never seen as many people at the cemetery as he had on Friday. But everyone wanted to thank my mom for what she had done in their lives.

Although I was aware that my mom had made an impact on so many lives, I really didn't know to the extent until the many stories were shared. Honestly, I was not surprised by what I heard but I was blown away. My mom made a difference not only in her children and husband's life but so many others. There was not a dry eye in the house when it was time to say goodbye to my mom. People truly cried and at some points I felt that I needed to comfort others through my own gut-wrenching tears.

But my mom's favorite song was "It Is Well With My Soul" and it truly was. Her body failed her but her soul was in tact so when that song was played and sung I felt like my mom was telling us all to stop crying and rejoice that she was finally where she worked all her life to get to. People commented that my mom had a smile on her face and guys, no lie, she did. She was at peace to finally be able to meet her maker.

Although she leaves many sad hearts behind she leaves such a big legacy that I truly hope that I can be a part of.

My mom was not only a mother & wife but she was a counselor, an encourager, a prayerful woman, lover of all people, teacher, pastor, best cook, dancer and so much more that I'll be here all day if I decided to list it all.

I know that as each day goes on it will become easier and thoughts of my mom won't evoke sadness and tears. I know that one day I'll be able to think of her with the biggest smile on my face and appreciate that although I had her for such a short time, I was so blessed to have her. I had her and I'm so, so grateful.

Mom, I love you and my goal in life is to make you so proud. I want you to know that I am happy you are no longer in pain but that I miss you so, so much. I miss the phone calls, the I love yous and your calming presence. I miss your smile, you had the best smile.

But I'll see that smile when we meet again.

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"It Is Well"

Grander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard

Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well

Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well with me

Far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can't see

And this mountain that's in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea

Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well

So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name

It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well it is well with my soul

Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You Lord
Through it all, through it all
It is well with me.