My Mom - Eulogy that I gave at my mom's funeral, June 29th, 2013

My Mom

I stand here today to tell you what my mom means to me:

When I was sick, she was my nurse, - I can remember having the mumps. I could not open my mouth...mom bought me a bag of Doritos...I was able to slide them between my teeth and then let them dissolve in my mouth...

When I needed to go to hockey or baseball, she was my personal chauffeur- one time we were coming back from a hockey game in Mitchell...it was snowing so bad we could not see the road...mom had me stick my head out the window so we could see where the shoulder of the road was. We made it home safely...

When I was in trouble, she was my advocate, - we aren't going to talk about this one :)

When I was confused, she was my voice of clarity,

When I was depressed, she lifted my spirit,

When I was angry, she calmed me down, - my sister (I won't say which one (Faith)) had the ability to turn a kind, gentle me...into the incredible hulk....one night my sister and I had a minor disagreement...I got mad and put my foot through the side of the couch..picture a hole ...a big hole...through the side of the couch...I then went outside, got my hockey stick and started to shoot the puck....mom came home from work saw me outside and said...What did Your sister do?... I caused the damage...my sister got in trouble :)

When I was bitter, she sweetened my mood,

When I got mad at God, She reminded me that " all things work together for good to those who love God"

When my Papa (grandfather) passed away, I got very mad at God. I asked my mom a couple questions...questions that a lot of you are probably asking right now...."How could a kind and loving God take such a wonderful person?" or "Why did mom suffer painfully for her last 15 years and then die suddenly?"

I'll answer the second question first....I truly believe that my mom was specifically chosen by God and given His grace, to be an example for me...an example for us all here today.... an example that no matter what my situation is, I have a choice...I can choose to praise or I can choose to complain...I can choose to honour God, or I can choose to ignore God...I can choose to focus on what I don't have, or I can choose to make the most out of what I do have... I can choose to focus on my shortcomings or I can choose to focus on my strengths....I can choose to be bitter or I can choose to let go...I can choose to hate or I can choose to forgive.... I can choose ...The choice is mine...but the choice is also yours.... My mom was an example for us...an example God used to draw us closer to Him...if we choose....

Now back to the first question - How could a kind and loving God take such a wonderful person...my mom answered it to me this way..."Papa was ready...Papa loved the Lord with all his heart...God was giving more time to others - time for people to come to know Him."

My mom told me that...and I chose to be mad at God....I chose...But my mom prayed for me...she loved me...she encouraged me...she believed God would get a hold of me....and He did.

Today, I mourn my mom. I miss her dearly. I wish I could talk to her one more time – the last time I talked with her was Monday afternoon at 5:35pm...On Tuesday morning @ 2:45am she was gone....I wish I could give her one more kiss, give her one more hug....just one more... .she's my mom....But even as I mourn, even as I miss her...I know where my mom is. Do Not say that I Lost My Mom...When you lose something, you don't know where it is – I know where my mom is !!! I know that she has finished her race...she has gained her prize....I know that the Lord welcomed her by saying...."Well done, my good and faithful servant."

I know that one day, I will see her again. And on that day, I will talk with her... I will give her a kiss...I will hug her...and I will thank her for being a loving... Godly.... Mom to me...

I Love You Mom :)