Don't wait for an eye opener to love and live life to it's fullest....

Happy Mother's Day to you all! This is me & my mom Linda. She was just diagnosed with lung cancer this February 2011. They also found it in some of her lymph nodes. She had part of her lung removed and thru lots of prayer, great surgeons and lots of love, she got the news within a few days that the surgery was a success. It seemed like a huge surprise to her doctor as well! After the lab examined the piece that was sent for testing, her doctor called her with the results: "somehow we got it all & it's no longer in the lymph nodes! Cancer was in the lymph nodes prior to surgery, but after surgery (and prayer) it's no longer there" - which meant she DIDN'T need chemo. She's up & living life to the fullest just three months later.

She's had a life full of big heartbreaks yet still finds joy in each day. She's has had so much on her shoulders through out her whole life, abuse, death of a child, the other child abandoning her, burden and illnesses - yet she would tell you she's one of the most blessed women on the earth. She's the strongest, most giving woman I have ever known. When you think she's just too weak or worn to give, she gets back up and asks how can I help and when do you need it. She surprises me every day with her strength, but I love that when she needs a boost, she allows me to be blessed and honored by helping her.

My mom, Linda, truly is an inspiration to me and a testament to God's goodness, His grace and His amazing healing powers - I love that He's not finished with her here on Earth...I can't wait to see what he has planned for her to do. None of us is guaranteed even another day of life, but to be granted just one more to be with those we love is....a gift!

This recent illness has been an eye opener for us both, we've always been close and bonded but the last few months we have discovered more about each other than ever before, she's not just my mom, but I find that now that I'm an adult, she's my bff! This year Mother's Day is extra special! Make sure this Mother's Day (and everyday you're able) to give your mom a huge hug! Hugs & love dear friend.