Mixed Emotions

I lost my mom 2 years ago today to ovarian cancer...see http://sheriyates.blogspot.com/2008/02/tribute-to-mom-week.html

Today was my 6 year old's last day of school. We pulled her out of Kindergarten to home school her along with our oldest. We went up the last 45 minutes of class and it was a precious time. The children shared the things they loved or remembered about Chandler Kate...like "she invited me to her birthday party" and "she is a great example" - "she never gets any reminders" - "She is my friend and I will miss her very much" - "she is so nice to me"

But one little boy raised his hand and asked if he could just pray for Chandler! What? My eyes welled with tears - in minutes, I couldn't contain myself! Here's why: 5 of the children got up and prayed over Chandler - that she would be blessed; she would enjoy being home with her family; her little sister and her big sister would also be blessed; God would receive all the glory! And, every one of them thanked God for my little girl!

As we left, behind my blurry teary eyes, I thought - what am I doing? Am I pulling her away from the only community she knows? Is this the right decision for our family? We got in the car and both Chandler and I cried like babies (the other too, very sad for us, waited patiently)...here's the conversation: Mom, "how are you feeling honey? Chan, "that was hard mom. I will miss my friends." Mom "honey, I bet daddy can fix this and you can go back to school tomorrow." Chan "no, mom. That was hard, but I want to be with my family more and #2, I am tired of the routine in the mornings.

I think I am more emotional today because it is my mom's death date. God is so precious in children! Lord, let us all have faith like a child!

I just wanted to share my bittersweet day.