Remembering you, Mom.
I should've written this last year, but I was at a loss for words back then... and still am now. It took a while to unscramble all my thoughts and feelings. Your passing away close to 4 years ago, still remains as real, as if it happened yesterday.
But I'm writing this now, Mom, because like you always taught me, when I promise to do something, I should keep it and follow through. So, here goes...
Of the many, many things I remember you fondly of, Mom, it's how you valued your short time here on earth that continues to resonate to me to this day. Having been diagnosed with cancer back in 2004, and having had your operation to remove the mass right after, it was how you lived your life after that which, to this day, still amazes me. It truly was and is a miracle that God lengthened your days for 15 more years for His special purpose.
Through those years, you were quite cognizant that your time was short, and you lived it to the full. You fulfilled and lived out the unique purpose God had for you. Above all, you eagerly looked forward to seeing Him at the end of your days... "the sooner the better, or right now, if He wills it", as you would always say.
You were a woman of dignity, simplicity, and class, Mom. Above all, you always mentioned that what matters most is not the outward beauty, but one's faith and character... what was on the inside. You certainly lived that out quite humbly, and as you always said, "Only by His grace and strength."
That's why, your simple gesture of passing on to me your dress watch a year before your passing was quite significant. I didn't realize it to be so back then. But, I do now.
I remember you saying, "This watch is yours. I purposely set it aside for you. Give this to your next wife." Back then, I smiled and laughed, since I hadn't entertained that thought seriously yet, even though I was dating a lovely lady. You then said, "What's so funny, son? You never know... perhaps God will gift you a wife again. Give it to her... as a gift from me."
Remembering your words now, I realize that you were pegging an important marker... setting a high bar... and were actually subtly reminding me to choose wisely. It was a simple gesture of kindness, grace, wisdom, and love... from a mother to a son. Indeed, you knew me so well.
Mom, your timepiece is precious and invaluable. But, as you purposed it to be, it is not for me. It is for the lady whom God may provide in the future, should He choose to do so. I only am its steward and caretaker for the time being.
In the meantime, may your timepiece constantly compel me to live the remaining days of my life, however short, the way you lived-- with purpose, simplicity, class, humility, wisdom, godly character, grace, faith, and above all, love.
Thank you, Mom.
When a glorious sunset begins to descend, Bringing warm and lovely hues, Burnt orange, gold, dusky purple, Pink, mauve, and blue, No timepiece on earth, With all its sunburst, textures, and polish, Co...
Beautiful story and such a stunning watch. Cheer up man because she is in a better place now. Take care
May your Mom’s memory always be a blessing, and may the watch continue to be a reminder. Thank you for sharing with us the story of such a remarkable lady.
Dude why do you wanna make me cry so early in the morning!! Jeez… 🥲…
Beautiful story and such a stunning watch. Cheer up man because she is in a better place now. Take care
Thank you, Edwin. I agree, her watch is simply stunning. I love the unique gradient hue or fume' style of the dial. It looked gorgeous on her when she wore it. Yup, I and the rest of my family are really happy and joyful that she's with Jesus now, and reunited with my Dad.
May your Mom’s memory always be a blessing, and may the watch continue to be a reminder. Thank you for sharing with us the story of such a remarkable lady.
Indeed, remembering her is always a blessing. Thanks, Andy, and you're welcome. Her gorgeous watch will surely be a constant goad and reminder. Glad to share her story with anyone who will listen.
Dude why do you wanna make me cry so early in the morning!! Jeez… 🥲…
Hope you had a good one. Never was my intention. Just wanted to finally honor my Mom this way. It's been cathartic and enriching for me. I'm sure it will be for you too.
Thanks for sharing your story and her time piece. Well done.
Lovely post. She sounds like a wise woman and a great mum. All the best to you.
Hope you had a good one. Never was my intention. Just wanted to finally honor my Mom this way. It's been cathartic and enriching for me. I'm sure it will be for you too.
Yes nice good cry is always welcome and healthy for me…it reminds me that I am human and also have a heart at times …☺
Cheers Pare!! to Moms!!
🍻
Thanks for sharing your story and her time piece. Well done.
You're welcome, bud, and thanks too.
Yes nice good cry is always welcome and healthy for me…it reminds me that I am human and also have a heart at times …☺
Cheers Pare!! to Moms!!
🍻
To our Moms! And to us!
Beatifully written! The memory of your mom and her legacy will live on in the lovely watch she gave you. All the best to you!
Lovely. Lost my Mum to cancer in 2016- it still hurts & I miss her badly. She left me some money,so I bought my Grail - a Seamaster 300 heritage ( her father who died young was a Royal Marine Commando so an Omega seemed appropriate).
Much love to you all, treasure your Mum's.
Thanks for sharing this with all of us. I know it can take time before being ready to write and share something like this. I’m glad you gave yourself the time you needed. Your mom sounds simply wonderful. She had great taste in watches too. It’s both elegant and unique, which sounds like your mother as well. Be well, my friend!
Beautiful tribute, Pare… may your Mom rest in peace.
Your Mom sounds like an amazing woman of faith!
Beautiful tribute to her and her memory.
I'm sure she is smiling now up in Heaven while she reads what you wrote.
Indeed she was, bud. She did have many moments of fear, doubt, pain, sorrow, and many more common in us human beings. But, through the many trials and challenges, her faith carried her through, and uplifted us as well. I'm glad I was able to write this short tribute in due time. Yeah, for sure she is flashing her winsome smile from Heaven -- of gladness and of a subtle reminder to heed her wise words.
Having lost my mom a year ago, your note struck more than one chord.
Well said, thanks for sharing.
Sorry to hear of your loss, John. I hope my Mom's story helped you remember the blessing your Mom was and is to you now. Thanks bud, and you're welcome.
Beautiful story. What an amazing woman she was. I can tell in the humbleness of your words. Good luck in finding the woman worthy of wearing your Mom's watch. May you feel your Mom's blessing when you give it to her.
Thank you, my friend. She was an amazing woman, indeed. This short post is not enough to tell the many stories about her. Perhaps when we meet up over a couple of beers or a bottle of wine in the future, we can both remember our parents and honor them together. I do hope the Lord gifts me with the woman worthy to wear my Mom's watch. If or when I do, my Mom will surely be smiling.
Just wanted to say thanks for sharing. A peach of a little Seiko too!
You're welcome, bud. Glad to share my Mom's story to the community. Yeah, her Seiko is such a peach!
You're welcome, Fred, and thank you. She is in my heart and mind.
🤝 My Father in Law passed last September. He gave me this little Tissot Seastar that he wore daily for years. He had the watch serviced and replaced the strap. I wear it often to remember him
You're welcome, David. My Mom is indeed a blessing. I hope the same thing, bud, as God provides. I appreciate the way you put it -- she gave it as a litmus test to see a girl's reaction... a way for her to protect her boy. Boom!
That's another "Aha!" moment for me right there. Thanks for the insight, brother, and God bless too.
I am 62 and my wife is 39 and such a good soul . A really good Christian Thai lady ! Wish I had met a woman like her first time around . Glad you saw what I saw in your mum’s gesture:)
🤝 My Father in Law passed last September. He gave me this little Tissot Seastar that he wore daily for years. He had the watch serviced and replaced the strap. I wear it often to remember him
Sympathies for your loss, bud. That Tissot Seastar is quite a beauty! Your father-in-law had real class and style. That piece is now priceless. Wear it often with great joy and honor, my friend.
I am 62 and my wife is 39 and such a good soul . A really good Christian Thai lady ! Wish I had met a woman like her first time around . Glad you saw what I saw in your mum’s gesture:)
You are blessed, brother. God's gifts are truly an act of grace and kindness... in His time. I am sincerely glad for you, and also glad I saw what you saw. Thanks for unselfishly sharing your insight.
Your most welcome and you will find your match .. Stay positive:) The old saying ; “ God works in mysterious ways “ is so true …
Your most welcome and you will find your match .. Stay positive:) The old saying ; “ God works in mysterious ways “ is so true …
Will do, brother. Cheers to that truth!
Beautifully written ♥ Life has some rough patches for us...
Beautifully written ♥ Life has some rough patches for us...
Thanks, bud. Yep, it's part of life and its cycle.
Definitely a wonderful display of your mother’s legacy. Much respect and love to the family 💯
Definitely a wonderful display of your mother’s legacy. Much respect and love to the family 💯
Thank you, bud. Much appreciated.