Gifts

My Mom passed away last Friday morning.

Giving her eulogy was one of the hardest things I’ve done. Fortunate for me, preparing her eulogy got me to focus on some wonderful things (gifts) she instilled in me.

• To have fun. Life is so short and you never know when it’ll throw you a curve ball. So enjoy life — especially with your family.
• Look for the blessings in all things. There are are lessons and gifts to be had from even the hardest times. Mom hadn’t been doing well for for more than year. Her passing, no matter how hard it’s been for my Dad, me, my sisters, the grandkids, and other family, was a blessing. She’s in a better place – and where she’s been wanting to go for some time.
• Believing that anything is possible. Think big.
• To serve others. Think of what you can do to make a difference in the world.
• Give your best – that’s all you can do and that’s the least you can do. Use the gifts God gave you.
• Prayer and faith. When it all seems impossible, hit your knees and say a few prayers. In the morning your sense of optimism allowing you to accomplish what you need to will have returned.
• To count your blessings. My Mom and her mother gave me this one. No matter how bad you may think you have it, there are thousands of people around the world who have it much worse.

So if you’re wondering why I do some of the things I do, you can thank my Mom. I do.