An Ordinary Life...An Unforgettable Legacy

Some of you may know this story and some may not, but I'd like to remember my Mother today. It's a very special anniversary for her. 26 years ago today she went to be with Jesus.

It started out as a blood clot in her right leg when she was 2 months pregnant with me. The Doctor told her that because of her medical condition it would be in the best interest of her health to abort me... Mom said absolutely not! I didn't find out till I was much older that her exact words were, "Even if it cost my life, I won't abort my baby." I honestly don't know that I will fully grasp the depth of that love till I someday have children myself, but at this moment the power in those words are overwhelming and have impacted my life in ways that words can not seem to express. I can't wait to meet her someday! I hope that the life I live here on earth would have made her proud... till I meet her again it's the only way I can truly say thank you.

Since Mom refused the abortion, her physician put her on a blood thinner that she was able to self administer through an injection twice a day. I was fine. The medication wasn't able to get through the placenta and at 9 months and 2 days late I was born a very healthy baby. Everything appeared to be fine until I was about 4 months old. Mom got sick with something like a cold or flu that wouldn't go away. Dad took her to the Dr. again where they discovered my Mother had Acute Leukemia. A form of cancer that is not discovered until it is too late. She was immediately admitted into the hospital and went to be with Jesus only 22 days later.

That's just the beginning... I could stop here and talk for hours about the many life lessons that have come from all of this and will probably continue to come in time...but Mom left a story here on earth that begs to be told. I'm sure she had no idea at that life altering moment, how chosing life and love over herself would affect other people. Her decision not only gave me life, but God has continued to use her story 20 something years later to save lives and make a difference. I know of at least one baby that is here on this earth because his Mom was convicted not to abort him after hearing how my Mom gave her life. That little boy is about 5 years old now. I do not remember what he was named, but I remember his mother telling me his name meant "Gift of God". I don't know where he is, but I am certain that he will also know the story of why his mother chose to give him life. My prayer for that precious little one is that he would not forget the why, that it would so powerfully impact his life that he in turn will pass that story on to make a difference in another life one day.

When I think about my mother and all that she did for me I can't help but think....

You never know what plans God has for your ordinary every day life. He may still be using you for His glory....even 2o something years after you've finished your race on earth.