A mom's grief

I caught today's Good Morning America and was especially touched by an interview with the family of gospel singer Steven Curtis Chapman.

On May 21, his five-year-old adopted daughter Maria was accidentally stuck by the SUV her 17-year-old brother was driving. She ran into the truck's path on the way to greet her brother who was coming up the family driveway. The little girl died later that day.

As a mother of two young girls, I know that's every family's worst nightmare. How in the world do you bounce back from that kind of tragedy? It was obvious that they're still struggling with many unanswered questions themselves.

I think the thing that really got me was wife Mary Beth's reaction. Here's an excerpt of her reaction from the GMA website:

"I've said, you know, somewhat coldly, 'I don't care whose lives are touched by this story and whose lives are changed or what good comes of it.' As the heart of a mom, I want Maria back."

Crying, she continued, "And that's -- you know, that's what I want people to know is I want Maria back. But because I know that she is completely whole because of my faith, I know that she's completely whole and completely OK and I'm going to see her again. As a mom, I have to shift that grief to go."

I've got to say that raw emotion really got to me because it was real and honest. I hope and pray to God that my kids make it through each day happy, healthy and safe, but none of us can predict with any certainty that will happen. These moments that we have with our children and few and precious, and who knows who are what can happen that will take those moments away from us. I think any mom who watched that interview this morning can totally relate to how this woman feels. I know that we hope that we will never have to endure that kind of pain. I guess at the heart of all this grief is faith. Faith that we will see our loved ones again. Faith that we will get through. So while it wasn't her intention for the viewers to really take anything from her words, I did. I'll learn to appreciate those little moments that I have with my children. Not to get upset over the little things. Enjoy each happy smile. Each moment of silliness. Thanks for making me realize how truly fortunate I am.

To see the video for Chapman's beautiful song Cinderella, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcNPGWgbIbo

Happy Mother's Day

The best gift I got today was a simple letter my oldest gave me and I'd like to share it with you.

My favorite thing about my mother is her kiss!!!!!!!
My least favorite thing is nothing.
The funniest thing is her laugh.
My mother laughs when I tickle her.
My mother cries when I am hurt.
I never get mad.
I love her because she loves me!

Hope this made you feel as good as it made me feel. Happy Mother's Day all!

The best book

One of my daughter's favorite bedtime stories is `Just in Case You Ever Wonder' by Max Lucado. It's been a family favorite for nearly seven years. It was given to me by a former employer as a baby shower gift and it's the best gift we've ever gotten. It still gets me a little choked up each time I read it to her because the declaration of love is almost is strong as the love I feel for that child. It just makes me thankful and grateful for the children I have every day.