At Susan’s celebration memorial on Saturday, Nate and each of his siblings had the chance to share about their mom. I don’t know how Nate made it through, speaking these words in front of hundreds of people, but he did a great job. If you know Nate, you can hear his voice so clearly; this is all straight-up Nate.
I used to joke with my siblings that I was my mother’s favorite, and in many ways, it was true.
I was my mom’s favorite son named Nate. My older brother was my mom’s favorite son named Aaron. My younger brother–the favorite named Matt. Julie was her favorite daughter, and I’m pretty sure that my dad was her favorite husband.
My mom had a lot of favorites because she had a lot of love. Love that was rooted in her simple, yet profound, faith in God. That faith, which was instilled in her by her parents as a child, bore fruit throughout her life by inspiring the love that impacted so many people around her.
She always had a kind word for others and was always willing to help whenever she could. So many times she put others in front of herself that it never seemed like a remarkable thing; it was just what she did.
She was the rock on which our family was built, and the legacy of her kindness will live on for many years.
My mother passed away on Thanksgiving, so I thought I would continue a family tradition of sharing things that we are thankful for.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow up with parents that loved me unconditionally. I’m thankful for a family full of laughter and love. I’m thankful that the last time I saw my mother alive, I hugged her and welcomed her to my home. But perhaps I’m most grateful that there are no unkind words or unresolved arguments that I’m left to feel guilty about.
My mother is still full of love, and I’m confident that I will see her again someday. Until then I will miss her, but not hopelessly. I will joke and laugh with my family, because she loved to see us together having fun. And I will pass on her legacy to others in the love that I show my family and those around me.
