She taught me

She taught me to walk. Not just one foot in front of the other, but in who to follow and how to lead.

She taught me to talk. Not just words, but truth and kindness.

She taught me to read. Not just how, but what to read.

She taught me math.  Just kidding. She was terrible at math.

She taught me to play.  Not just for fun, but for health.

She taught me to sing. Not just a song, but in the sadness and in the brokenness.

She taught me to dance. Not good, because we are terrible dancers, but to dance anyway.

She taught me to decorate.  Not just how, but to use it to make connections and to bless others.

She taught me to love. Not just the easy ones, but the hard.

She taught me boldness. Not the kind that's rude, but the kind that stands tall in the face of fear.

She taught me strength. Not just physical, but mental. 

She taught me to cry. Not just over disappointment and sorrow, but tears of joy.

She taught me joy. Not just when things are good, but even when they are bad.

She taught me grace. Not just from God, but how to give it.

She taught me forgiveness.  Not only how to forgive others, but how to forgive myself.

She taught me to laugh.  Not just at what's funny, but also in the face fear.

She taught me peace. Not so much how not to fight, but peace when life falls apart.

She taught me truth. Not just to tell it always, but to listen to it when lies consume me.

She taught me to rejoice for others. Not only when they have big wins, but especially when I don't.

She taught me drive. Not to give up, but to press into the fray.

She taught me conviction.  Not only to be sure of my values, but not to compromise on them.

She taught me sacrifice. Not all things, but the right things.

She taught me compassion.  Not only that moves me, but that moves me to action.

She taught me passion.  Not just strong emotion, but enthusiasm for the right things.

She taught me to fight.  Not just to stand up for what's right, but what battles to engage.

She taught me to pray.  Not just to get things, but to know Jesus.

She taught me to worship. Not just who, but how.

She taught me Jesus.  Not just about him, but how to be like him.

She taught me to persevere.  Not just for a day, but for three years.

She taught me how to overcome. Not just a diagnosis, but a death sentence.

She taught me not to complain.  Not just over the little things, but the big.

She taught me to be thankful.  Not just when the test result was negative, but when there was nothing more they could do.

She taught me to fight anyway.  Not because there was hope of healing, but even when the doctors said she doesn't have much time. That fight gave us three more good years.

She taught me to find the good. She taught me to leave a legacy. She taught me how to die with dignity. She taught me the hope of eternity. She taught me this world is temporary, but the kingdom of heaven is forever. She taught me always always turn to Jesus. She taught me how to grieve.  She taught me how to emote.  She taught me how to heal.  She taught me that even though she's gone she is still teaching me. She taught me that I'm able to carry on without her.  She taught me that when I think she's my only person God will bring new people.  She taught me to live life to the fullest.

I love and miss you terribly, mom, but you get to celebrate this day with your own mother and in the presence of Jesus so I won't wish you back, but I do so look forward to the day I get to hear your laugh and hug you tight.