some things just fit in perfectly.
i was recently contacted by Laura Sobiech regarding her book tour coming up.
who is Laura and why did her reaching out mean anything to me?
because of her son, Zach Sobiech, who i posted about last year.
Zach’s story moved me…it brought me to tears…it made me reflect and dig a little deeper, it brought me joy and hope, and it reminded me of my own trials.
Laura wanted me to read her new book, Fly a Little Higher, help spread the word about the book tour, and share how i relate to their story/cause/movement. i couldn’t say no.
cancer has made such an impact on my life and family – and i want it gone.
zach’s story still needs to be heard.
laura’s story needs to be shared.
we all have important stories – life experiences that connect us to complete strangers.
embrace it – share it.
i really want to encourage you to get this book, or to at least help spread the word.
lives can be changed – saved even.
when i hear “illness” i think of my mom.
every time.
in case you didn’t know, my mother passed away of leukemia (10 years this december).
my days are torn between being used to this life without parents – not even thinking of it as not normal; other days are spent with questions in my head for them to answer, memories, pain, frustration, joy, sadness, happiness…etc.
…back to the question.
how did my mother’s illness/battle with cancer have an impact on my life?
how could it not?
i’m sure i could spend the next hundred years talking about how much it hurt, how challenging it was, how much i miss her; but i want to focus on the good towards the end of my mothers life, not the pain that caused her to leave this world.
during her illness, my mother held onto hope.
not hope that she would be healed – but hope that God’s plan far outweighed hers.
hope that her savior would bring comfort.
hope that others would come to know Jesus.
hope that healing of hearts would occur – not only cancer.
i’m sure she had reservations, frustrations, and worry.
but never fear.
my mother was not afraid of death – she told everyone so.
i only wish her fearlessness had been contageous.
i feel like i’m rambling…and i am; but when i start thinking of my mom, and her end of life story – so many things bleed into my mind.
my mom loved Jesus.
she shared Jesus.
she had a nurse named ruth.
during one of ruth’s shifts my mom asked her, “do you know the meaning of your name?”
ruth said that no, she didn’t – my mom told her to come back on her break if she wanted to learn about it. sure enough, ruth came back and my mom opened her Bible and read her the book of Ruth. my mom would walk into other patients rooms, with her iv poll trailing behind her, and ask how she could pray for them. she impacted so many lives that when she slipped into a coma and was moved to the ICU the nurses from the 8th floor would come during their breaks and before/after their shifts to visit with my mom and family.
so how did my mom’s illness impact my life?
it made me realize that nothing i face should ever draw me away from God.
that God is faithful, and brings peace.
that even in my suffering i can be joyful and invest in others.
my mom, whom i love and miss daily (as well as my dad), continues to inspire, encourage, discipline, and guide me.
just because someone is gone, doesn’t mean their legacy is not still living.
i shouldn't have watched this at work. i am weeping. i remember zach's story and watching a video the week he passed away. i loved his song then too. such an incredible young man.
love you, friend, and your mom's story. it's a beautiful thing to hear about a life that glorified God through whatever came her way.
I'm glad you got the chance to take part in this blog tour! I think I originally found out about Zach's story through your post. 🙂
You always write such beautiful things about your Mom! I especially loved the things you wrote about her walk with God and her influence on those around her. God is so good, but we need people, people like your Mom, to remind us sometimes!
Hugs to you and to Laura and to everyone saying, "God is good, especially now" ! 🙂
just purchased the book and can't wait to get it into my hands 🙂 thanks for sharing girl.
Tears here, remembering your mom. I remember her telling Ruth what her name meant, and I remember her going and visiting the other patients and witnessing to them. You're right – she was fearless, always, and 100% confident in her Savior. Her first day in the hospital, she had her Bible out and we were looking up passages that gave her inspiration, and hope, and strength for the journey ahead.
I miss her so much, but am so blessed and thankful to be your friend, and to see glimpses of her in you and Bo. Love you much!
What a beautiful tribute to your mother!!! Sounds like an incredible woman.
I love Zach's story – I downloaded the song awhile back – so amazingly beautiful. Now I have to get this book! Thanks for letting us know about it!!!
you have your mom's beautiful heart, and i have faith that God has wonderful plans for both you. thank you for this post – it's touching and honest and an important reminder of how we can heal others by sharing our stories.
It's crazy that you mentioned Zach because I literally JUST watched a recent Youtube video with an update on Zach's family and cried like crazy. Zach and his family are all so inspiring and I love that you're spreading the word on his life.
I also love that you're spreading the word on your family and your mom, too. Your strength is something I know must come from her (along with your faith and infectious smile!). 🙂
That video in this post was SO moving and it didn't even have any words to listen to. My mind was blown by that alone. It captivated me! Definitely getting that book ASAP.
Love you mama's story. The nurse named Ruth? So perfect. Obviously I never met her but I can tell just by that how much of a blessing she was and still is! <3
What beautiful words, honoring your mom!! (Also love that picture!) Sounds like she was such an amazing woman! I see where you get it from! 😉 I know she is SO PROUD of you!
xoxo
I think I remember something about hearing Zach's story. I'm afraid to click that video right now because I know I will turn into a big ball of mess.
Love this post and the legacy that your mom left. What an amazing portrait of how we should live every day. And this, what you said, "so how did my mom's illness impact my life?
it made me realize that nothing i face should ever draw me away from God.
that God is faithful, and brings peace.
that even in my suffering i can be joyful and invest in others." hit me right in the heart. He is very faithful, even when we seem to refuse it…