Mother of the Year Nominees #1

Here is the first of our Mother of the Year Nominations. I will post another one later today. Please do not vote/comment until all the entries are posted. Thanks and enjoy these touching stories about some wonderful moms!

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My Amazing Mother

by Tammie Brazil

My hubby and I went and visited my parents yesterday. Even though we live just a few miles apart, it’s funny how we don’t see each other as often as we should. Mom has colon cancer and has been battling it now for several months. At the age of 71, she is one amazing woman. For years I have stood in awe of this woman. With all of her health issues, (Diabetes Type 2, Lupus, High Blood Pressure, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.), she has never given up. Many times I’ve had difficulty keeping up with her. I’d tell her, “Geez Mom! You put me to shame!!” She’d just laugh and go on.

When she was diagnosed with cancer, I fell apart. (Not in front of her of course.) She just said, “It’s in God’s hands. His will be done. I’m not worried.” This is yet another example of her amazing strength and fortitude. Never once since her diagnosis, have I heard her ask , “Why me?” I’ve yet to hear her complain. I’m sure there are times when the chemo makes her so sick and tired she feels like just lying down and quitting, but she doesn’t! Even though I expected her hair to fall out it was still shocking to see how much she’s lost. The back of her head is almost completely bald now. And she has several bald patches on top. Does she wear a wig? No! A hat? No! A scarf? No! This woman used to have beautiful hair. It looked like spun gold and often reminded me of the girl in the fairy tale, Rumplestiltskin who had to spin her hair into gold. It’s sad to look at her hair now. I have difficulty just acting like everything is fine. But, I’ve managed. I think at times like this I’m able to draw from her strength.

Just a couple months ago, she found out she needs neck surgery. Yet another blow. She sees it as another trial to strengthen her in her spirit and draw her closer to God. Now, I ask you, Isn’t that how we’re supposed to see it? If we all considered every trial just a test to draw us closer to our creator, we too would be rewarded with the strength to see it through. We would be made overcomers. Sadly, I admit I don’t have that much faith. I know deep down in my heart that I should. I know God is more than worthy of my trust and faith. I am ashamed and humbled by this revelation.

So, sitting there visiting was no different than all the other visits over the years. We talked, we laughed, we listened to a CD my sister-in-law recorded, Mom and Dad had a minor spat, lol. All completely normal. Now, as I pause in this reflection, I realize what a blessing God has given me in the form of my mother. I think I should learn from her. Follow her example. Quit acting so human all the time and let God’s spirit lift me up as He has done for my mother! I can only hope that I’ve inherited a fraction of her strength and that one day my children will see me as a good example to follow. I love you Mom!!!