Saturday, November 08, 2008

Mom's 80 Today

My mom turns 80 today and we're gathering to celebrate.
Five years ago we thought we'd lose her to cancer. Just 5 months ago she spent weeks in the hospital ICU and we almost lost her to pneumonia. I looked at her in that hospital bed, watching her heart rate climb to 180,  seeing the oxygen cranked up to max. "Nothing else we can do for her..." We were starting to say the things you say when you think you might not get another chance.
But she's back,  spunky as ever, still driving and shopping - and we're celebrating her 80th birthday today. And I thank God for the gift of these past 5 years, more than any of the previous 46 of my lifetime - because I really didn't think her frail body would make it. Thank God for his miracles, thank God I've had this time with my mom.
But I know there's no formula to this. Just weeks ago we lost our friend Marion, who is my mom's age. And just this week a friend at work lost her favorite uncle - and she's heartbroken. And how many others, family and famous have passed on in the last five years?
God has a plan for each one of us - and I know there is wisdom in everything he accomplishes for his purpose.
Steven Curtis Chapman said about the loss this year of his young daughter, "God only has so many chapters written for each person's life - and she lived her six years like she knew that would be all to her story in this life."
I have no idea how many more chapters there are to my mother's life, or mine for that matter - she and God continue to surprise - and delight - us all.  There are countless fond memories and experiences I hold dear for my mother. But nothing compares to the five years I thought we'd never have. 
Today my mom turns 80 and we're going to celebrate a beautiful life well lived. Thank God.

What do you believe?