When you think of beautiful, what comes to mind? Is it bright blonde hair? Is it a tall and thin? When I think of beauty, I picture a determined hard-working woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and radiates goodness to everyone in their life.
The most beautiful woman I have ever met once lost all her hair, dropped in weight due to rounds of chemotherapy, and was often tired, but was a pillar of strength. My mom was beautiful and strong.
This is my mom during her battle with cancer. She hated wearing her wig as she was losing her hair so she shaved it all of and rocked that bald head. Look at her smile...big, proud, and radiant. She was a true beauty. Cancer isn't pretty, but owning and accepting the change and moving forward is beautiful.
My mom was so strong and wanted to live each day as she normally would. There were many times she was sick in bed and too weak to move, but she didn't let cancer hold her down. She took care of us, she cheered us on at our soccer games, she took me shopping for prom, she took care of me when I was sick. She didn't stop. Ever.
Strength is beautiful. Courage is beautiful. Being brave is beautiful.
Each day every one of us faces something that takes strength, whether it's waking up and facing the day or dealing with a serious issue.
On another note, Sunday would be my mom's 57th birthday. I always say that she didn't lose her life to cancer. She was too strong to let that happen. Someone, somewhere needed her and wanted her to not experience any more suffering.
Every day I wish she was still here, but sometimes I get deep in thought and believe that maybe things were truly meant to be this way. I have a guardian angel that watches over me. She guides me, she protects me, and I whole heartedly believe she has saved my life a few times.
I never imagined growing up without her by my side, but losing my mom has given me strength in other areas of my life.
Being strong is beautiful. Each day is one to be cherished and faced with a fresh outlook. Don't take any one of them for granted, because someone out there may be facing something more difficult.
Emelia. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your words about your mom are beautiful and touching. You are so strong.
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could give you a big hug right now! She most certainly continues to shine through you. Sending you love, Emelia! XO
ReplyDeleteAh Emelia. I know I'm fairly new around here, but I love your heart. This made me smile and tear up all at once. Good thoughts to you today and give yourself props for being so strong. You got your beauty and strength from her, so she's still with you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful way to honor your mom close to her birthday. This was such a beautiful post, Emelia.
ReplyDeleteEDub, your mommy is so proud of the woman you have become! She looks down on you with pride everyday.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! Almost makes me cry!
ReplyDeleteThis is a gorgeous post. I know what chemo can do, but one thing I learnt that it can't do, is to dim a smile.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and touching post! Her smile really is radiant and this is such a great way to honor her. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much M. She was a true fighter, the strongest. Thank you so much for your kind words, they mean more than you know.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Llinos, I love that. Thank you very much for reading and sharing your sweet comments.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lauren. She was amazing and so very strong.
ReplyDeleteLisa, you always know the right words to say & I can't thank you enough for that. Love you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Cassie. There aren't enough words in the world to express how amazing she was. I truly appreciate your kind words. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so incredibly sweet Carissa. I really thank you for your comments. Every day I hope to be strong and resilient like her...thank you so so much for being so kind. You also made me smile and tear up at the same time :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Emily, I would gladly take a hug ;) Thank you for the love and sweet comments. She was my rock and is my angel for sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nina, you're always so kind. I know she would love that I am writing again, she loved to read my stories I wrote when I was younger so I hope she hears my words now. XO...I appreciate your sweet comments.
ReplyDeleteOK talk about a tear jerker post. This is so beautiful. Hugs friend!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Melissa. She was so strong and is still my hero, but also my sweet guardian angel now :) Thank you for the kind comments!
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