Words from A Wise Woman…

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

This post, is from my mom.

The day after I returned to NYC, I woke up to find this beautiful letter from my mom waiting for me in my inbox.

She asked me to put in on the blog.

And I’m going to be honest, I’m getting anxiety hives thinking about pressing “publish” because…I don’t like writing positive things about myself. But I’m fulfilling the wishes of my mother.

So without further ado….

 

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“Well,this is it. This is the time I’ve been waiting for.

Time to say thanks to my biggest helper and supporter during the last 5 months since my stroke.

Now that you’re back to your life in NYC, it’s time to thank you: Caralyn!

My life has CHANGED! Since my stroke on Dec. 27th, I’ve had to learn how to talk, follow conversation, and ask questions. It’s been hard.

But I have to say, that you, Caralyn have been the most significant helper, loving helper, cheerful and goofy helper, and Christ-Centered helper that I could have been blessed with. 

So over the past five months, not only has MY life changed, but YOUR life changed, Caralyn. Especially you. When I had my stroke, you were home for Christmas. We were all out having dinner with friends when it happened. You were right by my side that night and from then on. You gave up your job, moved home and cared for your confused mom.

Everyday, you put a smile on your face and led me out the door to workout. You let me drive everywhere, to get used to….everything! You made delicious meals, made sure we had the ingredients to make everything. You had questions that you’d thought about, which you’d ask me on our daily walks, to get me talking about things that I held important. Your character is what I will always remember about these past five months. It’s remarkable. And appreciated. 

You’re always positive! Always purposeful!

You spent many evenings with me as I sat on the couch, not being able to say much. But having you there made things joyful. 

You know, I think you’re beautiful. And I hope you know how grateful I am. Saying “Thank you” doesn’t seem like enough! 

But :

Thanks for helping me get my speech back.

Thanks for making the meals and cleaning the kitchen.

Thanks for doing the grocery shopping.

Thanks for taking me to all my speech therapy appointments.

Thanks for going clothes shopping with me.

Thanks for taking walks with me and working out.

Thanks for spending long hours and doing nothing with me.

And mostly, thanks for just being you. God is amazing how he’s given us this incredible time to grow together in appreciation of health, well being, speech, but most of all, in appreciation of each other.

This has been an incredible journey that I’ve shared with my best friend; you. Thanks for being here, and being you, Care. I love you. 

-Mom”

Mom, thank you. I wish I could put into words the depth of love I have for you in my heart. You are my mom and my best friend and I thank God for you every day.

Reading this, I don’t feel I deserve these glowing words, as I was only doing what you have done for me every day of my life.

This chapter is not closing. It is no where near “finished.” And if I’m being really honest, I’d say that it is, in fact, only just beginning.

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God has a way of using the pain and trials of our lives, and using them for good. Transforming the hurt into something beautiful. Something healing. Something that can be given away to others.

And I am waiting with baited breath to see how God will use this in your life. Because you’ve never been afraid to give. That’s one of the most beautiful things about you.

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We are never stagnant. Never sinking, but always growing. Evolving. Progressing. Some seasons, that growth is more obvious than others. But for you, it has been contagious.

As you’ve healed, that peace and strength has permeated everyone around you, myself included.

You are the catalyst. You are the change agent.

It is the Spirit in you.

Your stroke may have changed some things, but in my eyes, the only thing it has changed is it has heightened your power to move people. Resonate Christ’s love within their hearts.

You shine now, more than ever.

I love you, mom.

Shine on, mama. Shine on.

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One Last Thing: Tonight’s the last night to get up to 40% off, site-wide at Reebok using my promo code: MEMORIAL . I hate to “promote” stuff,  but I am honestly obsessed with my new MET Classic kicks, and this deal was too good not to share with you 🙂


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beautybeyondbones

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

375 thoughts on “Words from A Wise Woman…”

  1. This is the kind of letter you should print out and put on your fridge. One day you’ll experience great doubt, and these will be the exact words you’ll need to get through the day. Beautiful letter! Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 2 people

  2. What a sweet, beautiful post. Your mom is beautiful …and so are you. Your hearts seem like they’re from the same cloth. I’m so thankful to see that she’s recovering. Thank God for His tender care for her and for you as you cared for her.

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  3. That was beautiful – thank you for sharing your mom’s letter and thank God she’s doing better. It’s true that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – it’s great that you have each other!

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      1. Oh yes… Ur words and ur mom’s words reflected my feelings for mine.. I think that u are a better daughter…
        People ask me why mom is my best friend… Its simple she is there with me always from the day I was born.. Ultimate loyalty

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  6. You both have active voices maybe, that’s where it comes from. Not many kids would do what you did.

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      1. I’m in San Francisco, then Dallas. Oh, the struggle, I kid. Maybe, she could write about her, I don’t know. Where she’s at now. I saw a bit of Joan Didion in her.

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      5. I don’t know. If life was different I’d have more. It’s not so, oh well.

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      6. There was a Christian book. Both authors lost their spouses and wrote from the moment of the funeral until they married each other. I bring it up because your story might have a wider audience if it included those reflections from your family during the ED. I mean, it’s a great story I just liked the funeral book format. It hit me over my cookie this morning.

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      8. Into the Wild is the most popular of that format Truman Capote did one. God’s Hotel, is another. You have an all American girl upbringing I think to do the most good it is good to show all the people of your village.

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      10. That’s what it is, up to a certain point as a writer you write what you see. Then, you start to drift into the unseen. That’s where the stories sit and wait.

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      16. If I was younger. Richer. If I was a lot of other things, haha. I’d be in NYC, tomorrow.

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  8. Hello Caralyn,

    What an experience! You have seen two sides of parenting and being a child with the same person. What was it like helping your mom when she was somewhat helpless? What was it like having to let go and let your mom make your own decisions? Was it hard trying to make the decision of how hard to push or lay back in challenging your mom’s recovery in how your mom approached her recovery?

    How did it feel to be helplessly do nothing to improve your mom’s condition? How did it feel to be on “earth side”and doing everything you could to help your mom? Was it all joy or was a or was there a struggle in the process? How did it feel when your mom made Obvious improvements? Were there any setbacks to deal with?

    Greater love has no persons in this, to give their life to the ones they love!

    Yes, I know a bunch more questions! Feel free to toss the questions out.

    It seems that you are worthy to give such a high level of love to others Caralyn. How would it feel to have someone from the outside not your parents or family to bond with you and give that kind of love? Do not give up friend. Would it scare you? Would you think it would be real or not?

    Now you have been on both sides of love with your mom both dependent(you dependent on mom) and independent( you choosing to love mom giving up your life in NY) love. Does love look different to you now than it did before? How did it feel when you knew you were dependent on your mom’s love but she was also dependent on yours?

    I know way too much in words Denny…..
    However, I wish you a blessed day Caralyn. I am glad you have a written record from your mom to kind of wrap yourself up in and enjoy being loved. Continue to let your light so shine friend, and do not be so hard on the one named Caralyn.

    Your friend,
    Denny

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    1. Thanks so much Denny, for this thoughtful response. I really appreciate your encouragement and support. You know, the whole situation was really just a blessing to be able to serve my parents who have given their lives to providing and love my siblings and I. It was a way to say thank you. And it was also an exercise in trusting God. Hope that answers your questions! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  9. So happy to hear your Mum is recovering so well. That picture of you guys gave me all the feels! God bless x

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  11. This was so BEAUTIFUL! Not to take anything away from your words of love but your mother’s letter was AWESOME! I was quite teary eyed while reading it. It truly conveys pure LOVE! Sending my thoughts and prayers as always to your mother’s continued journey towards a successful recovery. Thank you so much for sharing this!

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  12. Thanks so much for liking “How my entire life can be summed up in one picture:”,I really appreciate it.
    It’s great to read about your articles and to find out how passionate you are about it. I Love every pictures and ill spend time reading everything in it if i have time. Best wishes for always, safe travels!

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      1. Yes…please don’t take it for granted. My mom also had a stroke about three years ago, but not with the same outcome. She lasted for about a month, but I will always be grateful to God for the time that He gave us together….will try to stop by more often. Take Care.

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  16. I’d say your Mum is wise for sharing her gratefulness with you and being open about how she sees you. As a parent it is so easy to be anxious and critical (out of genuine desire to help) but the wise ones know how to give the positives. And clearly if she said so then it is all true. Believe it.

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  17. Mothers are an extension of God. Caralyn, through your mother God is validating you, accept her beautiful heartfelt words and believe them. Your words are real, your love for God shines through your words. I’m sure God would want you to accept praise and give praise, because if we don’t receive we can’t give to others. God bless from http://www.fathergodloves.com

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  18. The time to really know who are our friends is when you are facing one challenge or another. Those that are fake friends would be found wanton, but true friends will stay put no matter what. Thanks for sharing these good attributes of a good friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. I really liked this post. It typifies one of the aspects of your blog that I’ve really come to appreciate: your honesty. You personally liked my most recent post on Pilgrim Shelter, ’20 Years’, which was very encouraging. In fact, reading your blog and seeing your honesty with your past and your struggles has given me a lot of courage to write about my own past and some of my struggles. I’ve long admired your courage in your writing and putting yourself out there for all to see. It’s not too far a stretch to say that your honesty, in large part, made a post like ’20 Years’ possible. I found it so fitting and touching that you ‘liked’ it.

    I wish you well on the continuation of your journey, wherever it may take you. Keep up with your writing and know that many, myself included, are touched and encouraged by your words. God bless!

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  23. Hi BBB,

    I am glad that the Lord turned this into an important chapter that you never thought of writing in life. I think some of the worst times turn into those moments we always cherish. Enjoy whatever is next.

    In Christ,

    Gary On Mon, May 29, 2017 at 4:01 PM BeautyBeyondBones wrote:

    > beautybeyondbones posted: ” This post, is from my mom. The day after I > returned to NYC, I woke up to find this beautiful letter from > my mom waiting for me in my inbox. She asked me to put in on the blog. And > I’m going to be honest, I’m getting anxiety hives thinking about pres” >

    Like

  27. Told you before if you might recall, what you did was amazing, taking care of your mom. You did wonders for yourself more than anything else.

    Seriously this will definitely go a very very very long way. But I suggest be with your family, if you have no issue.

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      1. But you first have to teach me, however, if you play squash than anytime. lol

        I have played loads of sports, at different levels, but when it comes to tennis and table tennis, my patience goes out. Specially in table tennis, I hate that game for some reason 😂😂😂

        Like

  33. This post touched my heart and soul. It seriously had the water works going for me… thank you for sharing. My father went through a similar situation and he was in the ICU in a coma for a month too, but without the strength of my mother and the Lord I don’t know where we would be now. I’m so happy to see such genuinely good people like you on WordPress/blogsites. And, as I’m new, I’m hoping that I’ll navigate and discover many wonderful hearts here. Thanks for supporting this community and welcoming new members like me with encouragement. Thanks for being our first friend. Sending so much love and prayers. – Anne

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    1. oh my gosh Anne, thank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry to hear that about your father. I will definitely keep him and you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. and yes! welcome to the wonderful world of blogging 🙂 sending much love and hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Perhaps it’s already been said but do you realize that your mom’s words is God speaking into your heart? Isn’t it weird that when we are told who we really are we are uncomfortable and struggle with hearing the words? I think it’s because we have been psychologically abused by the enemy of life and we have brain damage.

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    1. Hi again friend! wow, what a cool way to think about it. i think you’re right – my mom has always had a close connection with the Lord, and when she would write letters and speak with me, I always knew that she had a strong link with the Big Guy, but i think even now, after this stroke, it’s in an even more powerful way. very cool to think about. thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to read my words today! hope you have a great week! hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Mothers are awesome! God bless her. Your struggles prepared you for hers. I thank God for your lives. I went through a terrible time with Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism , I thank God I survived. I have overcome it. When God takes us through these paths, He is preparing us for something big. Now because of our experiences, we cannot ignore those in need. Ride on. You rock.

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  38. Hello Caralyn! I was inspired and teary-eyed by your moms letter. You’re a sweet daughter. I can’t help thinking about my mom too. She was there for me all along but I wasn’t even able to repay all her sacrifices for me since I got married early. But I realized this is not the end for me.I can still take care of her when she’s old.:)You’re such a blessing..:)

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  40. You are so right that “God has a way of using the pain and trials of our lives, and using them for good.” This has been true in my own experiences in life — that the trials enrich my life and deepen my faith in God.

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  41. Your mother is spot on. You are a beautiful person inside and out and this blog is a blessing to others. I will always think of you as Beauty first and Caralyn second. Keep writing and keep encouraging.

    Like

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