Hope

We have all heard and know the saying “life’s too short so make the most if it” but I believe that only once you have faced a life changing or life threatening experience do you actually feel the weight of truth in that statement.

My heart surgery, which I had 5 days after my first child as born, has left a scar down my chest. Although the intense pain is gone, and I am living a fairly normal and standard every day life, it is still very tender, and if my little princess leans against it at a certain angle, it is very painful and sometimes I can feel the staples which have helped to close the incision up against my chest. Although the pain is gone, the scar will always be there as a constant reminder of all that My husband, daughter and I have walked through, of the trauma we have experienced, of the life-changing moment we faced and all that we have lost.
And so it reminds me too of my best friend, who tragically lost her dear mom to cancer at the young age of 54. The pain and trauma of losing a loved one, and your mom at that, is heart-wrenching, life-changing and just tragic. I cannot stop thinking of all the moments as a granny which this beautiful lady will never experience, the joy of witnessing her youngest daughter getting married which she will never do, and all the time and chats of wisdom
She will never have with any of her 4 daughters again.
The Bible says “the evil one comes to steal, rob and destroy” and my best friend has been robbed of time with her mom and time with her as a granny to her children. I was robbed of the first 6 weeks with my child, and can possibly never have another child. And then the Bible continues to say that “Jesus has come to give us life and life more abundantly” and so there is the HOPE. Having Only Positive Expectations. Life still does hold an adventure, memories, exciting opportunities, new paths, unseen sunrises, beautiful roses, moments to treasure…..and special family and friends. It’s these that I hold dear….the unconditional, protective and generous love of my husband, the delightful smiles, uncontrollable laughter, inhibited hugs, and sloppy kisses from my daughter. The fact that my mom is a phone call away. The sincere, supportive and special friendships I have.
Jesus, walking through the valley of the shadow of death too shall pass, and for now I am grateful for the HOPE you have given.