TOP's Tuesday: Memory Making at its Finest

Each day of our lives 
we make deposits in the memory banks 
of our children." 
~ Charles R. Swindoll ~

First, let me apologize for not posting the "fun" blog I promised this weekend, don't worry, it is coming tomorrow but since I missed it yesterday and it's TOP's Tuesday, decided to wait one more day. I think you can do it. I'll warn you, it's an interactive blog and I'm hoping for at least twenty-six people to post. Hmm...While you wait, read this week's TOP's Tuesday and enjoy. Who knows, you may be led to leave a comment two days in a row. 

On August 20th, 2015, I shared "Our Journey Takes a Turn", as I revealed my Mom's current cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In case you missed it, click here to read. The doctors gave recommendations for treatment, palliative care came in to listen and offer feedback, and Mom spent a few days processing the information to formulate her decision. 

Once again, my mother's strength and determination shined forth as she chose quality of time with the ones she loves the most. When one's life window is short, it's up to the person facing the journey to choose the road, then God will come alongside and ease the travel. Between a wonderful team of doctors stretching from Syracuse to Oswego, wonderful nursing and hospital staff, and now our beautiful Hospice family...this journey of quality and memories is in full swing and we are enjoying every moment.

This new journey took our breath away and there are still snip-its of time I find myself shaking my head yet know nothing is an accident, not even illness. Many of you don't know but my Mom suffers with Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), although her age might not reflect that of a juvie, her heart and disease does. The onset of the rheumatoid arthritis was in her teens, so she's battled severe pain and crippling moments the majority of her life. Yet to most, you never knew because Mom isn't a complainer.

This past year as her health worsened and movement became more calculated, we thought it was her JRA progressing as is common when your digits get bigger on your birthday. It wasn't until June that Mom noticed something was "different". Once my school year finished, this journey began, even though we didn't know the "what" steering the ship.  Mom just knew something was "different". 

Mom's determination, positive attitude, and eternal outlook are a daily witness of God's love in the midst of a storm. Mom is sailing her beautiful ship of hope and life over the water until she reaches the next destination. A beautiful testament and mom, to say the least.

THANK YOU for the cards and words of encouragement. Mom looks forward to us bringing in the mail. Words of encouragement, hope, memories, and so much more bring her a smile, laughter, and sometimes a moist eye. 


Thank you for remembering her in your prayers and taking time out of your busy schedules to send a note. She is walking to the kitchen table in the morning and able to sit up in the chair for short amounts of time during the day. God is good and we make a new memory each day.

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What is your favorite way to give or receive encouragement?