Better Tomorrow

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Well here we are, Saturday night, 10:00pm, and I’m…in bed.

People. I am turning into an old fogey.

Seriously. Pretty soon I’m going to be eating tapioca and wearing Depends!


Juuuuuust kidding.

But honestly, that has been one of the bigger changes since coming home to help my mom post-stroke: Going to bed early.

No joke. On a typical Saturday night in NYC, my night doesn’t begin until midnight. Literally. My friends and I would meet at a bar around 11:30, and then be out until 4:00am.

Now, you’re lucky if I can stay up to watch the evening news.


It’s just different.

But one of the things I am loving about being home is the nighttime chats my mom and I have before bed. Growing up, that was always something we did…have these beautiful conversations about everything from boys, to friends, to God, to the future. And now, it’s pretty awesome to be able to do that again, but this time as two adults.

I’m telling you…God has been so generous with me, here, since I have been home. In a lot of ways, obviously. But specifically, in how He’s revealed to me just how much I have “learned” or “grown” since my anorexia, and in particular, how it has formed much of my inner-most thoughts and beliefs…in a good way.

Tonight, during our nighttime chat, my heart became so overwhelmed with just this sense of compassion for my mom. Compassion because, all of a sudden, I realized that her journey in recovering from her stroke mirrors in a lot of ways my recovery from anorexia. Maybe not in the physical sense, but in the mental sense.

My journey to a truly full recovery where I was living free and abundantly, happened only when I realized my worth. And where it came from.

I was finding my worth in my appearance, or the perfect “this or that.” I believed to my core that my worth had to be earned. And that since I wasn’t “perfect,” I was unworthy of love.


My mom said something to me tonight that brought me to a familiar place. A place that I knew all too well.

She looked at me with those big, beautiful brown eyes, and said to me with sorrow in her voice, “I’ll be better tomorrow.”

My heart just shattered.

And I knew that I needed to share with her something that I’ve had to learn and relearn and relearn just about every week.

And I think the best way to express it, is to just share with you exactly what I said to her. Because maybe, just maybe, this will resonate with even one person, too.

I said, Mom, you don’t need to be better tomorrow. Even if this is as much of your memory you get back or if this is as far in the recovery process as you get, it doesn’t matter. Because I love you just as you are right now. You don’t have to “progress” to a certain level or reach a certain standard of “better.” Your worth is in you being you. As you are in this very moment. It’s the same as it was a year ago, the day you had your stroke, yesterday and tomorrow. I love you no matter what. You don’t have to be “better” tomorrow.

And I realized, just how similar these paths of recovery are.

There are few times…very few times…when I can look back at my time battling anorexia in my youth, and be grateful for it. Granted, not for the hair loss, or the shattered relationships, or my flirtation with death – literally. But there are a few times when I realize that I am actually grateful for the lessons that I’ve had to learn the hard way.

And tonight was one of those nights.

When that core belief that has shaped who I am today, and that was learned and formed through fire, made me grateful for having gone through those dark days so many years ago.

And I kind of smiled at God tonight, and thanked Him that I had that experience to draw on to relate to my mom and have empathy for what she’s going through.


Every season of life, no matter how difficult, produces fruit. And this was really the first time that I could take the “fruit” from that period of darkness in my past, and pick one off the tree and give it to someone else.

Strokes are hard because there’s so much focus on your ‘progress.’ How much do you remember today? How did you perform on the speech exercises? What do you have to offer to the conversation.

There’s an obscene amount of value and worth placed on your ability to do or say certain things. Things that are hard, because they target the location in the “dead area” of your brain that died during the stroke.

It ties your value to a “because” rather than a “no matter what.”

Who knows, maybe I’m way off base on this and reading too much into it, but it was just an overwhelming feeling that I needed to share that with her.

And I guess, with you, too.

One of the cool things about families and communities, is that everybody brings something to the table. And perhaps, this is mine.

What about you? What’s something that you’ve learned that has shaped your core being? Maybe, just maybe, it will resonate with someone who needs to hear it, too?

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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

255 thoughts on “Better Tomorrow”

  1. Quick! Quick! Pretend you’re not crying…pretend you’re not crying!!!! 😛 Gosh darn it girl. I teared up when you told your mum that she doesn’t have to get better, that she’s perfect at her current point in recovery. And then when you talked about handing your fruit to other people…I just can’t right now. THE FEELS!!! XD Excuse me while I console my self.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Aw girl I’m sorry to make you cry. Thank you so much. Yeah it’s been a journey over here. One I’m actually quite grateful for. Gotta be honest, I feel a little because you’re making me smile and you’re tearing up! Love ya girl. Thanks for this. Hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. No worries! I’m an emotional person 😛 it sounds like you’re going through a lot and I admire you for staying so strong. Anytime. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Right now, this very moment in my life, I’m am learning that God’s arms are strong, that His grip is powerful, that He has me in His hands and He is NOT going to drop me. It’s a lesson in radical trust … faith, every minute of each day, every step along the way without allowing doubt, worry and fear overcome me. And it’s a tough lesson to be learning! But I have to believe that it is absolutely worth it.

    Liked by 4 people

  3. Blessed me so much. May you have all the help you will need if/when your time comes to need it. (I just turned 60, so this simultaneously reminds me of helping my Nana convalesce and rehabilitate, and makes me think of a not-so-distant future I hope doesn’t include that for me). Love, Cate
    Shared. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  4. *runs around waving a little flag with a letter C on it*

    But seriously…what amazing grace you showed your mom. You were Christ to her right there. If only we could all accept the same grace for ourselves. God’s been really working on the “have to earn it” part of me lately. I resonate with that. I pray that change will stick for all of us.

    Liked by 4 people

  5. What you said to your mum is really powerful. I totally recognise the concept of always feeling the need to be “better tomorrow” as if people are waiting for you to do better/feel better/be better/act better. I’m sure your mum will have valued what you said SO much, and even more so, given how you learnt that lesson.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Wow, love this – as a girl whose mama is her BFF, this definitely struck a chord within me. Wishing your mommy a good, steady recovery – and glad that you’re soaking up every moment with her!

    Liked by 3 people

  10. This was so right on point. I was talking about valleys and mountaintops the other day and this hits it home. Your mom needed to hear that, and it will probably help her more than any medicine, therapy, or doctor, in the world, could ever have helped her. Then and there when she needed it, AND you needed it, God brought it all together, for the both of you, in a beautiful gift to share.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Going through similar with my Mother. Praying! 🙂 God bless you and your family. Steve

    On Mon, Feb 6, 2017 at 5:00 PM, BeautyBeyondBones wrote:

    > beautybeyondbones posted: “Well here we are, Saturday night, 10:00pm, and > I’m…in bed. People. I am turning into an old fogey. Seriously. Pretty > soon I’m going to be eating tapioca and wearing Depends! Juuuuuust kidding. > But honestly, that has been one of the bigger changes s” >

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Everything God brings into my life works together for good in my life. I regret very little and allow my faith to embrace all the possibilities of what God is bringing my way in this most difficult position. I too have enjoyed to beauty of my Mother’s renewed close relations in my life. It is amazing how much you forget when you don’t actually live with those family members you love so dear. Trusting all things in Christ. :)_

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Amen to that — together for good. That’s so true, there’s something special about rekindling relationships when all parties are at different life stages. In Christ is a good place to put our trust. Know that I will be praying. xoxox

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  13. So proud of you and your family! I am diagnosed with severe recurring depression. In therapy I learn not to let my illness define me. Some days are just what they are going to be. And the next day quite the same. God is blessing you with wisdom way beyond your years…..thank you. You all are in my prayers!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you again for your continued prayers, Rick. That means a lot. And thank you for sharing your own journey. I will definitely keep you in my prayers as well. One day at a time. 🙂 Hugs and love xox

      Like

  14. I absolutely believe that God can use our experiences of pain and struggle to be comfort even blessing to others. Thankful He has used you to give back to your Mom. Challenges me to be more intentional about my care for my parents, even if just a quick call. But visits too; busy is not an excuse. They live in Assisted living facility. Praying for you and your Mom.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. I have loved reading your posts a out your journey with your mom. When I got sick with PTSD, my kids (now ages 30 & 25) had to change their role too. They lovingly called it our new normal. I feel like a burden to them (they NEVER make me feel this way, its my own “mom-stuff”) and I have often said, “I’ll be better tomorrow.” They respond the same way you responded to your mom. I believe it because they love me. But, it wasn’t until I read your post tonight that it landed in a place where I really believe it. So thank you, from a mom who is also fighting back. Blessings and hugs to you and your mom. 💕

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thanks so much Alexis. That really means a lot. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading them! I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with ptsd. The new normal. I like that. Because that’s what it is…it’s new and it will become comfortable. I can definitely relate to that feeling, but know that you are not a burden. You are a survivor and you are deeply loved. I’m so glad you believe it:) sending you massive hugs and love and keeping you in my prayers. Xox

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Thank you very much for sharing your words. It resonates and is encouraging. Glad to read that in this difficult period with your mom, you receive togetherness and love. Very valuable. Hope she gets better soon.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Dear Beauty,
    You have amazing depth for a young person. I watched my wife wither over the last 2 and a half years with brain cancer. Much like you, the caregiving mode taught me about the enormity of life, and even more intense, the enormity of death. I want you to know that regardless of the outcome with your Mom, (That is really in the hands of God!) your presence with her is truly a gift that is becoming more rare as our society pigeon-holes our elderly. The life lessons you learn during this time will help your soul be at peace. Your life has prepared you for this and you are incredible! I wish you peace and joy. When Laurie was not doing well I searched each day for a bit of joy to put in her life. It made a huge difference. Read “You be Peace, I’ll be Strength” in my blog. I hope it helps. I wish your Mom a full recovery but life is a temporary condition. Courage.
    My Love and Prayers for you and your Mom
    Dan of Lolostrong.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Dan, Gosh thank you so much for this wonderfully kind comment. I am so touched by this. The enormity of life and death – what a powerful description. So true. Thank you for the encouragement and for your prayers. It means the world. This time is definitely a blessing for me and i feel truly grateful for being together with her in this season. I am surely learning a lot. Looking forward to reading your post. big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  18. I truly love your heart, it is so beautiful, you are an amazing soul my sweet friend. I will keep you and your mother in my prayers. Take care. God Bless ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 2 people

  19. What a wonderful time for both of you! I look back on my heart surgery fondly; it got me off my rocket and back in touch with everything and everyone. While she might not see that now, she’s experiencing that now. I hope she can see the good in having traded her stroke for some real down time with you and the rest. Sometimes something like this is the only effective breaking system we have. Neither of you will ever regret you moving home for a time, the evening talks, and the rest…even if it was over her stroke. More at Patreon.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Jeff! It sounds like it was a blessing in disguise. Truly. Sometimes it takes something like that to bring us back to what really matters. Yeah, I am really cherishing this time. It is really so special. Though I would love it to be under different circumstances, it is really precious time. Thanks Jeff, looking forward to reading more 🙂 big hugs to you and Julie xx

      Liked by 1 person

  20. I’ve sat here for a few moments and pondered your question. It’s difficult for me to narrow down one specific lesson that doesn’t sound like your obvious cliche. What I came to was this:

    The only responsibility you shoulder is that of your own choices. You can’t control people, and you won’t be held accountable for what they do. You, however, will be faced with the reality of what you decide to do, say, and think in a given situation. There are two obvious choices in life: That which is wrong and that which God commands.

    The choice is mine, and so are the consequences, whether good or bad.

    By the way, your quote to your mom was encouraging. Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Matthew, thank you so much for sharing this. How powerful. It’s true – our choices are what we have control over. Amen to that. Try as we may, that is the only thing in our power. I love that – to choose that which God commands. I needed to hear that 🙂 big hugs to you. thanks for stopping by! hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Great post! I think you can draw a lot of comparisons between many different recovery processes. Whether it be addiction, an eating disorder, recovery from a health issue, etc. There are so many great life lessons learned in all recoveries and I think you are right that “you don’t have to be better tomorrow”. As for what I’ve learned, I’ll twist your statement a bit. If you spend each day making yourself better, helping others, and doing the next right thing, then your tomorrow will be better!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much:) I’m so glad that this resonated with you. you’re so right, there’s a lot of common threads. and i love that so much. Those are definitely powerful ways to make tomorrow better! I especially love “doing the next right thing.” Ironically that is the advice my mom always used to tell me growing up. It was her motto, and it became the motto of my own recovery. so glad you stopped by! big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  23. So beautiful. I love how God turns our junk into something He can use for His glory! Even the parts we think is pure waste, He can transform – truly our true Redeemer in all senses of the word. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  24. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years it’s that often Holy Spirit speaks out of those ‘overwhelming feelings’, because let’s face it, Holy Spirit is both so overwhelming and so wonderfully enabling that when he’s ready to speak, it can be all kinds of overwhelming, and when he’s alive in you it means those ‘overwhelmings’ that used to be so wishy-woshy are actually trustworthy because you can be absolutely confident it’s him (:

    Something else struck me as I was starting in on your post tonight, and maybe it’s dawned on you too, but it just came back to my mind how a few months ago you were (and you can correct me if I’m not quite remembering or something) feeling a draw back ‘home’ and thinking about where you are geographically in terms of where you are spiritually and emotionally, and you know…I think there’s so much in that because some part of you–or I should say Holy Spirit in you–had the pieces going together ahead of time and putting that, I guess urgency, in your spirit so that when the time came there didn’t have to be questioning and big decision-making because your heart was already invested for this ❤ I think that's so awesome to see how Father was leading up to this season for you

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hey Carson, thanks for this 🙂 You’re so right – we can be *absolutely 100%* confident in Him. And you’re right, it’s funny how God works things out the way they’re supposed to. I’m not sure if I’ll end up staying here. In truth, I’m commuting back and forth a little bit to NYC for some acting gigs, but there really is something about being home that is bringing my heart a lot of peace. Good memory! 🙂 haha But you’re right – the HS was definitely at work. I am so grateful for that 🙂 Thank you so much for showing me that. It’s one thing to kind of sort of be aware of it, but it’s so much more powerful when someone points something out to you like that. it’s like, wow, God really was at work. Thanks for being such a positive source in my life. I’m very grateful for you! And i hope that all is well with you, my friend! Hope February is shaping up to be a good month! 🙂 hugs xox

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      1. It was just interesting and so…on-point feeling remembering that there was that stirring up going on ahead of time making a bit of a reconnection for you and I almost imagine God just rolling his eyes all like ‘yeah, I know what I’m doing,’ lol okay, maybe God doesn’t roll his eyes *shrug*
        All is quite well with me; this month we are cleaning out our basement and turning it into a bedroom to make room for a younger couple who will be moving into our loft. Yeah. Who knew this house could handle FOUR people comfortably. Well, we’ll see how comfortable it is 😉 so this month is looking pretty good from here and I’m super excited for the opportunity to help out and mentor this young couple a little bit and provide a place where they can be safe and free. Sooo that’s what’s been going on in my life lately 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  25. This was beautiful. Thank you for your words. I really related to what you said to your mother. My husband was hurt last year and he has a permanent injury that has completely changed his life. I can see it in his face that he is hurting inside physically and emotionally, but he tells me he is fine. I know he’s not fine but he is still the wonderful man I married and I love him just the same.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you so much for sharing this, and for your kind words. Gosh, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s injury. That breaks my heart. It sounds like you are an incredible wife. I will definitely keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. big hugs xox

      Like

  26. Your post touched my heart in many ways. What you said to your mother about not having to be any better than what she was right now brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful you learned this and now share this deep insight.

    I have a mental illness and everyone, especially me, wanted me to get “better”. Actually, the pressure I put on myself to be what I considered, “normal”, led to another breakdown. It would have been wonderful to hear someone say I was okay just the way I was.

    I now believe that I am fine as I am, and so does my family. I have learned a lot through therapy and it has helped me immensely, but I am also okay with not being a perfect human being with no quirks or flaws.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Belle, oh thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad that this resonated with you. And thank you for sharing part of your story. I can definitely relate. Amen to that – just as you are is good, and lovable, and worthy, and wonderful. I’m so glad that you’ve embraced that! I’m working on that too! 🙂 big hugs to you xox

      Liked by 1 person

  27. In brief, and grace of course.

    And yet we can forget. I find it hard to look back and see when I did not trust. Grace extends, and we need to trust.

    Grace, and compassion (and compassionate action?), can go together.

    I guess these are deep themes.

    Peace.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh Camille, thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. I’m so glad that this hit home with you. I definitely have a lot of love for that woman. She’s my rock. and my best friend. and my hero 🙂 thanks for your encouragement. big big hugs to you xox

      Like

    1. Aw, thank you so much. Yeah, I am actually really grateful for this precious and special time we have together. my mom is my best friend and hero, and you’re right, He makes beauty out of ashes. thanks for your consistent encouragement. grateful for you! hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Hello, pretty lady! Love how you are so open, honest and raw with your readers. It is so easy to down play the messy parts of life.

    Your encouragement to your mom was beautiful and, hopefully, allowed her to give some grace to herself. Any type of recovery is too long and too slow for anyone going through it. How wonderful you are there to be an encourager, listener, and a loving spirit to her. I hope you, also, have someone who can be those things to you as you help your mom recover.

    One of the things that I have learned is that when everything seems to be falling apart, God is steady. He is the calm to the chaos. To quote the chorus of a song that played in my head as we were racing to the emergency room when my water broke three months early:

    “You keep me steady when the sky is falling
    I’ll keep steady after you
    I’ll carry on when my faith is failing
    Take heart cause you’re with me
    So let the stars drop whatever comes I’ll be ready
    You keep me steady.” Steady by For King & Country

    Praying that you and your family feel God’s steadiness during this season of life. Hugs!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Shoni, oh gosh, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. i really appreciate your kind words and prayers. Yes, I definitely do – my dad is an amazing encourager. He is our rock, and I am so grateful for him. We had a father/daughter date this afternoon for coffee. Amen to that: God *is* steady. And the calm. And for that I am so grateful. Wow, what a story. Three months early. What a powerful and comforting song to have in your mind during that scary time. Thanks again for the prayers. Big hugs xox BTW — I went to school in CO 🙂

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      1. I love father/daughter dates! Mine usually consisted of accompanying my dad to the livestock sale barn. 🙂 Coffee smells so much nicer. 😉

        How neat that you went to school in CO! We live on the northeastern plains aka no where near the mountains, but we love it. My husband and I were actually born and raised in southwest Nebraska – go Huskers!

        Yes, it was a great reminder from a loving Father that no matter what he would be my steady. And when baby boy #2 was born just two days after that, he showed again that he was in control and he showered us with much love, miracles, and small world moments. We are blessed.

        Have a great night!

        Liked by 1 person

  32. I don’t know if you know this, but I had three strokes when I was in my 30s…
    Feel free to email me if you need any support… I don’t know where your mom is at in terms of recovery, but I would be happy to share with you my story

    Sending you both love

    Liked by 2 people

      1. It was the biggest blessing in my life. Completely changed my heart and my direction.
        Wouldn’t change a thing

        Like

  37. Lost my mom to cancer late 2015 – – and your blog post reminded me of the point where I arrived at “we’re not going to beat this thing”. I released her from the pressure of making “progress”. I joined her in her journey, as a loving son, and not as coach who wanted to reach bench marks.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Mar, I am so sorry for your loss. That breaks my heart that you had to go through that. It sounds like you were an amazing son and support during her final chapters. I’ll definitely keep you and your family in my prayers. Sending lots of love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  39. You write so well and do such a wonderful job of telling your story. I hope that you realize that you and your mother are a wonderful daughters of God:

    You are a wonderful, marvelous, daughter of God,
    He’s watching over you, up from heaven above
    You are His favorite one
    and He sent you a Son
    You are a wonderful, marvelous, daughter of God.

    Soaked in His love,
    Washed in the water,
    Pure as a dove,
    You are His daughter.

    A woman, a mother,
    a sister, a wife,
    You are His daughter,
    He loves you for life.

    You are a wonderful, marvelous, daughter of God
    He’s watching over you, up from heaven above
    You are His favorite one
    and He sent you a Son
    You are a wonderful, marvelous, daughter of God.

    Heavenly price
    He willingly paid
    Perfect in His Sight
    You’re Shining with Grace

    He has made you a daughter
    His child he loves
    Rise from the water
    turn to his love

    You are a wonderful, marvelous, daughter of God
    He’s watching over you, up from heaven above
    He’s watching over you, up from heaven above
    He’s watching over you, up from heaven above
    _________________________________________

    Your past is part of your sanctification journey. Remember when God sees you, He does not see your sin or your failings, He sees His son, Jesus Christ. In caring for your mother, in sacrificing your time (which is like dying a little for her, just as I am sure she died a little for you over the years) you are being Jesus. You are picking up your cross and following Him. Just as he laid down His life for all of us, you are laying down part of your life for your mother.

    When I was reading this blog, I was also reminded of Julian of Norwich who wrote:

    “All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”
    ― Julian of Norwich

    I think this is what you said to your mother, just in different words. Perhaps I thought of this because Julian of Norwich wrote the first book in the English language known to have been written by a woman (“Revelations of Divine Love” written around 1395), and I see elements of divine love in your caring for your mother and you are a talented writer.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow thank you so much, Oogata, for this beautiful response. What powerful lyrics. I love it. So comforting. And it’s true. It’s been a sanctification journey. One that I am grateful for. Thanks again. Hugs and love xox

      Like

      5. Aw. I see why your words touched me so deeply. I wrote a poem and it reminded my of Louise Hay’s root causes of illnesses. One of the affirmations there to heal anorexia was “I am wonderful just as I am.” I thought of your words. Hugs!

        Like

  42. “Every season of life, no matter how difficult, produces fruit. And this was really the first time that I could take the “fruit” from that period of darkness in my past, and pick one off the tree and give it to someone else.”

    I have learned that He never wastes one calorie, one memory,,,,, one anything. You have been picking “fruit” in every word you have ever written in this blog. And in this post I hope you finally realised how full your harvest is – always.

    For no other reason than you are you (as you expressed to your mum so wonderfully).

    Liked by 3 people

      1. I’m sure it must be, I adore my mother and I can’t imagine going through something like this with her. I’m sure she is very grateful for your presence right now. God bless xo

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  47. You and I will never meet but I wanted you to know, you strike a cord in me. My kid sister, whom I loved madly, struggled with anorexia. I have always been overweight, same kind of disorder just different ends of the spectrum. She loved me just as I was but couldn’t accept herself. I loved her just as she was but I still struggle with my own sense of worth. How beautiful we really are, just as we are = ) She died in a car accident. Losing her forced me to look at my life and the people in my life in a new way. Take nothing for granted, love the people in your life, live in your moments. Be you because that is enough. Peace

    Liked by 2 people

    1. oh friend, I am so sorry about you sister. Gosh that just breaks my heart. So tragic. Life is so fragile, you’re absolutely right – every moment is a gift and loving one another is the greatest thing we can ever do. Sending you such a giant hug right now. xox

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  48. my step dad is recovering from his first bout of chemo and radiation treatments and he has the same outlook- i’ll be better soon. this was so encouraging and comforting to learn and hear a new way to speak to him and remind him that we love him whether he is bald and coughing on the couch or if he is planting flowers in the garden all afternoon. we obviously prefer that he get to run around in his back yard, but we will love him if all he can do is sit.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. girl- he is FREE OF CANCER! we got the call a couple of weeks ago and he is now just in recovery mode from the bronchitis and pneumonia that came with it, as well as working on his own strength to get back to normal. God is so incredibly good!

        Liked by 1 person

  49. Beauty,
    You really touched a LOT of hearts with this post. I had to scroll down through many, many, many comments to get to this reply box and tell you how you blessed me. All I want to say is thank you for giving your mom grace and encouragement and helping her to live one day at a time without fear of failure. Thank you for sharing it with us your fellow travelers in life. We all need that encouragement to know that we are loved unconditionally. That is why knowing and following Jesus is all important. God bless you and your mom.

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