Seventy-nine years. That’s how long my mom has lived. And when I think about it, that’s seventy-nine years of stories, strength, and love that can’t be summed up in just a few words.
My mom has been through a lot. More than many will ever know. Life threw her some heavy challenges and ones that would’ve made most people give up or grow bitter. But she didn’t. She held on. She stayed present. She kept loving, kept giving, and somehow, she kept showing up for her family, even when life didn’t go as planned.
She’s the kind of mom who put everyone else first especially during times when someone in the family was sick or struggling. She never complained, never asked for credit. She just gave her best. And even when people around her misunderstood her or made assumptions, she didn’t try to prove anything. She simply chose peace, stayed grounded, and spoke when it mattered most.
That’s something I truly admire. She doesn't let herself get caught up in drama or negative energy. She just doesn't attend those functions and/or entertains where it doesn't serve her right. And even when she’s hurting, she knows how to let go and trust that God sees it all.
After losing my dad, the love of her life, she became a widow who still prays with her whole heart. Not just for herself, but for our entire family. She carries us in her prayers, and she believes that the best is still coming for each one of us.
Yesterday, I decided to do something the same yet different and that I dated my mom.
.
And I don’t mean just taking her out for lunch or running errands. I mean, I focused completely on her. I asked questions. I listened. We laughed, reflected, and had real conversations about life. About the past. About things I never knew and never asked before.
It was honestly one of the most meaningful days I’ve had in a while.
.
Happy Birthday Mommy Dearest 😘 Know you are loved by many! We love you dearly! May God continue to bless you more years with us with good health and answered prayers!
And so, I want to challenge everyone…yes, you reading this:
Date your mom. Sit with her. Ask her about her life, her childhood, her love story, her prayers, her regrets, her wins. Go deep. Don’t wait for “someday” to hear the things you wish you knew.
We sometimes keep conversations on the surface. Or we get too busy, or we assume we already know our parents. But there's so much more inside them — memories, wisdom, life lessons — just waiting to be shared.
When you take the time to really be present with your mom, to honor her journey, you’ll see her in a whole new light. It’s not just about bonding…it’s about learning. About honoring. About growing closer while there’s still time.
My mom taught me this: Keep moving forward. Find joy daily. And when worry comes, hand it over to God.
She lives that truth. And that peace she walks with… My dad used to call it “Best in the West.”
Now I know exactly what he meant.
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