and also Mother's Day from Nadine...

I spent much of the day thinking. I sat in church, letting the music wash over me, trying to forgive myself for being so far away from my Mom today. I rode around with John as we frantically tried to accomplish many errands, still thinking. And as I stared blankly at my newly stocked kitchen cabinets a few minutes ago, trying to think of something to make for dinner, I continued to think. I thought about my Mom and everything that she's taught me over the years. Sometimes I welcomed the lessons; other times I'm sure I resisted, but all of those "teachable moments" will be forever etched in my memory.

Here is just a sampling of the lessons I recalled today:
1. Family matters.

2. People should stand up for what they believe in.

3. Baking is an exact science (which is why my mom doesn't do it). Cooking leaves more room for interpretation (which is why she's a fantastic cook).

4. We are usually stronger than we realize.

5. When decorating, arrange items in odd-numbered groupings rather than even ones.

6. No one is ever too old to cuddle in bed with his or her parents.

7. Cultural literacy is an important part of education.

8. There is nothing like a good book.

9. For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of something.

10. Confidence gets a person far in life.

11. White shoes are not okay after Labor Day. And linen should not be worn until May.

12. Coffee mugs and tea mugs should never be mixed up or else your tea will taste like coffee.

13. Love never fails (okay, she borrowed it from First Corinthians, but she taught me this one by example).

Tomorrow Mom goes in for a procedure, which she already explained in her post. I believe with all my heart that she will walk out of the hospital tomorrow with renewed hope and a strong spirit and increased energy and decreased pain. I believe that in 13 days she will be here in Pittsburgh, along with Dad, to walk me down the aisle. I believe this because I walk by faith and with confidence, because that is what my mom taught me to do. Thank you all for encouraging her with this truth as well. That's what friends are for--to remind us of the important lessons when life is hard and our mind forgets.

Happy Mother's Day to every mom who is reading this. And to my mom, thank you for giving me life and for sustaining me physically and emotionally through every twist and turn. May God hold you close to him tonight. May the Lord bless you and keep you.