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. Praise be to God. He is indeed the Great Physician. You have not only honored and nurses your mom in her time of need but you have brought great honor to our Father. I’m proud of you! Pax! Hugs.

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  7. It’s always been my opinion that the words others say about someone carries a certain clout. You are a true example of love and compassion and honoring your mother is a grace I can only imagine doing.
    God bless you. 🙂

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      1. Truly He is…
        Not to take away from the beauty of your post, but I am feeling my own peace from an experience I had this weekend…
        …I think I finally know what I must do.
        And I am thankful for following your blog.

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  11. Your momma raised a strong woman. Be proud, and give yourself the pat on the back you deserve! Strong women must run in your family!
    Give your mom my best wishes!

    Love from Calgary, Canada!

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  12. You post brought tears. Sometimes it is hard to hear someone praise us or say thank you. I am a Disaster Relief Volunteer trained in Mass Feeding. I find it hard when others say thank you fro coming to help. All the glory goes to Jesus.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Caralyn, while reading your Mom’s note, it is obvious her love for you, and love for Jesus Christ, was a great example that you followed, because your love for Jesus, and for your Mom is also obviously obvious.
    I praise Jesus for His touch on your Mom, as she is progressing so well. During these five months, I am sure that each of you, as well as your Dad, have grown closer to our Lord Jesus, as well as closer to each other if that was possible.
    While reading the entire post, for some reason my eyes got some water within them, and our roof was not leaking, so I reckon my eyes themselves sprung a small leak.
    Thank you Caralyn for sharing yourself and your family. Seeing Jesus Christ work in lives, and when what He is doing is known and shared, it is so exciting.
    God’s Continuing Blessings to each of you Caralyn, and continuing Healing for your Mom.
    LUV.
    George

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    1. thank you so much George, gosh this is such an amazing response. thank you with all my heart. Yes! the three of us — and my whole family — have really grown in our walk together and with Jesus. that is one thing that was a silver lining for sure. haha, i’m glad your roof isn’t leaking 😉 but seriously, thank you for sharing in this moment with me. you’re a great friend, and i am grateful for you! sending hugs xo

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I’m glad you liked the Irish toast. And that’s the Irish for you; they love their convoluted sayings! We’ve had a good day…a good weekend really. Hope yours was too. Hugs…

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  23. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story of enduring love and hope. This is such an endearing story, and my heart is warmed to have been able to witness and experience this through this piece.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I love the posts/stories. Thank you for opening your heart and life. Praying that Christ will lead many to hope in Him for healing and restoration.

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      5. Praise the Lord. It’s a beautiful picture of understanding the days and their troubles, along with the redemptive hope in His grace. Thanks again.

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  24. Hi Pastor! I had a feeling that your Mom was awesome like you! Say hi to her for me! Your family is in my prayers! This writing is a wonderful affirmation! Prepare your congregation to bring the tissues for this message! You and your Mom are so inspirational! Thank you both!

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    1. Hey there Rick! Thanks so much 🙂 haha yeah, my mom is such an amazing woman – I look up to her so much. Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. You never cease to bring a smile to my face! Hope your week is off to a great start! Hugs xox

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  26. Two beautiful tributes in the same post, both wonderful to read.

    My own mother has been losing her struggle with dementia, so it is heartening to read of a mother having both the ability and the desire to express her love and appreciation.

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  28. I know you’ve had some internal struggles thinking about leaving your Mom to return to NY. This would affirm you and your decision and leave you walking on air this week.

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  31. You are indeed fortunate in your mother. I know from experience how uplifting it is to be the gateway through which God heals another – but it’s a two-way street that requires a receptive partner. Your mother’s affirmation of you is a lesson to us all: we do not need to move mountains. We need only to serve the moment that we are in. That includes accepting the love that others bring to us.

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    1. wow – I am so humbled and touched by your generous words, truly. thank you. All I know is that I look up to my mom in every possible way 🙂 thanks for stopping by and i hope your week is off to a great start! hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

  34. I have huge tears running down my cheeks. As an outsider reading that precious letter I see so much love, affection and gratitude. You are both blessed beyond measure to have each other. You both reflect the love of Christ. I feel privileged to have been able to read those personal statements. Print them, keep them close and remember what a blessing you are to each other. ❤

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    1. oh my gosh, thank you so much! i’m sorry this made you shed a tear! thank you for your generous words – yes, I definitely will always remember the blessing that she is 🙂 hugs x

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  36. I see where you get your style of writing from. You have been a blessing to her, now graciously accept her blessing to you. You truly are that reflection of The Father! Thank you for sharing!

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  37. I know it means so much to your Mother that you shared her letter, letting her words of Thanks to you be heard. We parents love to tell others about the wonderful things our children do. Though it was difficult, it was wonderful that you did.

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  40. First of all, you exactly like your Mom, it’s really amazing!
    Anyway, I remembered this line we have in Filipino: “Kahit tadtarin mo ang sarili mo ng pinung-pino, hindi sapat para makabayad ka ng utang mo sa magulang mo” (translation: Even if you chop yourself into fine pieces, it’s never enough for you to pay your debt to your parents)
    No matter what we do to our parents, it will never be enough for us to give them back whatever they have done for us, all the sacrifices, all the hardships…
    but this is what we hope for:
    Ephesians 6:1-3King James Version (KJV)

    6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

    2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

    3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

    God bless you and your family~

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    1. Thank you os much for this thoughtful response. I absolutely love that saying — how very true – Our parents have done so so much for us. And haha! Yes! we do get that a lot – that we look alike! thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  42. You both brought tears to my eyes, the deep sense of Love, gratitude and the calling to a higher purpose is inspirational. Many blessings to you both, Rachael xx

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  43. Beautiful letter and a beautiful blog. You obviously had much to do with her recuperation. Glad to hear she’s doing better. Your writing touches people because of its openness and honesty. Always a great read. Thank you for sharing.

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  44. Your mom’s words brought tears to my eyes. As a person who tries to help others I greatly appreciate her gratitude. Continue to let God use you. Smile 🙂

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  45. Glad you hit “publish.” What a beautiful letter. Your dad must be so proud of both of you through all of this. What overcoming faithfulness and love. You guys rock in my book! 🙂

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  50. That letter is just so lovely. Your Mom must be a wonderful woman and you must be, too. Sometimes strength comes from adversity. I’d say you are both a lot stronger because of this. Best wishes to you both.

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