As my new book launch approaches in just a few days, memories of my sweet Mom fill my heart more than ever. I remember when we sat at chemo appointments week after week, the things Mom would tell me to write, remember, and do. “Lisa, write it all down!” She also said to me that if she went to heaven on a day that I was to make visits at the cancer treatment center, to go! Go make visits! She was adamant. She said she would be in heaven, and would be watching from the front row heavenly seat. I think she kind of knew because she went to heaven on the day we were to make visits. Just hours before. I will never forget my sweet Daddy looking at me as they wheeled my Mamma’s body to the funeral home and said “Lisa let’s go make visits.” He went with me that day, and it was a day I will never forget. I know how much his heart was hurting, but he also knew Mom would want us there. It was a visit I will never forget. I often go back to that memory on tough days, and it brings so much joy. The nurses, doctors, staff are family because of my Mom’s journey, they still are to this day, and I will never forget their support that day. And I will never forget the words I wrote through experiences like this one. And those words are in this book.
Mom hung on until the very last minute, and I remember her saying to me while she could still speak “I need to stay here for you Lisa, it’s going to get tough, and you will need me.” I always wondered why she kept saying that. “MOM! It’s all good!” I would reassure her. Those exact words have forever stayed in my mind. But as she grew closer to heaven, the more Jesus reassured her He would send angels here on earth to help guide me, protect me, support me, pray for me, cover me. Through the changes, hurts, struggles, unexpected’s….He would take over where she could not be.
I promised Mom her legacy to help those who are walking through brokenness would continue until my very last breath. And I would continue to “write it all down”. Just like she said from the very beginning of this journey.
Whatever it looked like I would keep my promise. It was her dream, and vision, and I thank God everyday I kept all of her words and conversations close. There were
some things she drilled into my head daily. Love always, forgive often. Don’t compromise. Keep God’s handprints on everything you do. Those words are written in my journal, on post it notes in my house, and in my heart. I think Mom knew things would look different down the road, but I also know she knew I had the best navigator there was. When He has a plan, the doors open, you don’t have to pry them open. And when He wants a door shut, He makes it clear to move on. I love that about God. And I love the sustaining peace and guidance He gives in those moments. He prepares, guides, protects and sustains. More words from Mom.
If my Mom were here I know what she would say, what she would tell me to write. That is how prepared she made me before she went to heaven. That was one of her biggest gifts to me. Preparation and wisdom! I am excited to share with you the stories that are a result of her words. I think you will be encouraged and truly find hope in a new perspective that emerges from the words that were birthed from this journey.