“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain

I am writing today on the seventh anniversary of my momma pulling out her chair at the table next to her Savior. August 7, 2011 was a day that changed my life forever and not just mine, but my entire family. My sweet mom suffered a heart attack and stroke on July 29 and spent the next 10 days in hospice, unresponsive. I have spent today remembering that season in our lives. What unfolded in that hospice room was a beautiful picture of this Mark Twain quote…my mother knew why she was born. Debbie Little was born to see those who are unseen and express love to strangers often unbeknownst to even her family.

My mom worked at a middle school. Her co-workers came to visit, recounting times that she encouraged them, covered for them, and prayed for them. Students came to see her, telling us about her buying their lunches or school supplies when they needed it most. Countless people who had attended church or played sports with us, came and remembered my mom as someone who was happiest in the background, but diligent in making people feel noticed and loved. One of my favorite visitors was a cashier at a local convenience store. My mom would stop in almost every morning on her way to work and became friends with the clerk. Mom would buy this new friend birthday and Christmas gifts. She called my mom “her angel.”

My memories of my mom are much more intimate, but no more precious. My mom filled a beautiful place in my life. She laughed with me and she cried with me. She prayed for me and she believed the best of me even when that was a complete act of faith. She was a near perfect grandmother and my children are better for having been loved by her. Her laugh was infectious and her tears were sincere. She loved deeply and without expecting anything in return.

When she passed away, she left a very large hole in our family. But make no mistake, she fully understood the three most important days of her life. The day she was born, she was given a heart for others. The day she understood why she was born, she loved others actively and unconditionally. And the day He called her home, she experienced love at its purest and fullest.

My mom lived well. It is my prayer that in our attempt to remember her and honor her, that our family would be faithful to love the one in front of us. And to love well. Miss you, mom. See you soon.

Praying for you as you remember and honor those you love,

Buy Candy’s book Rescue here! 

You can swim confidently into the murky waters of parenting teens! Rescue offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical applications. Working with a group of young “Lifeguards” throughout the book, Candy Gibbs gives struggling parents the life preservers they need to rescue teens from a drowning culture. With Biblical insights and Candy’s own creative techniques, Rescue is the “Noah’s Ark” of parenting books, ensuring that today’s teens will carry on a legacy of godliness to generations to come. Find out more!