I just love how God gives us little gifts we need. In our times of sorrow and sadness, He sees us. He comforts us if we let Him. And He places things in our lives, in our path, that remind us that He is always with us and working only for our good.
Losing a parent at a young age is tough. Just something about never getting to hear their words of wisdom or see the kind of pride reflected in their face that only a parent can have for their child. There is a longing for that parental reassurance that just never seems to go away. Especially once you become a parent yourself.
The first thing that anyone who knew my mother ever says about her or remembers about her is her smile. And with good reason. She lit up every room she walked into.
She was light, and laughter. Always fun. Always positive. And always making those around her feel better. Even when she felt her worst.
Cancer is a thief. A thief of all of those wonderful things. Cancer tried many times to take her light, laughter and positivity from her. But she never let it.
When she passed away after 6 years of fighting breast cancer, I thought that once and for all, cancer had stolen that light. Knowing I would never see her smile light up a room again felt like all of my childhood happinesses were taken from me at once. The permanence of that fact was probably the single hardest part of losing her for me.
But God saw that. He saw my suffering. He saw my sadness. He knew my heart. He knew what I needed. He knew I needed to see that smile again. And as often as possible.
So what did God do?
He gave that incredible, irreplaceable, 1000 watt smile to my son (that I was 13 weeks pregnant with when she passed away).
And now, I get to see her smile and her light reflected in him every.single.day.
I get a gentle reminder of His love and hers every time I look at this little boy.
And I just can’t imagine a greater gift than that.
Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Comforted I am. By this sweet smile that is ever so familiar to me.
❤
Erica
Adventures in Faith & Farting 
So true! Love this. God is truly our loving Father! He proves His self daily. He not only shows us how much He loves us, but He teaches us how much we love Him. Love this perfect and beautiful gift that we also get to share. I know there are many more Blessings ahead for His faithful children. I’m sure your Mom knows too. Love you and proud to be your Aunt. Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erica, that was wonderful….your Mom was a wonderful woman and so are you… God has most certainly blessed you with a great husband and two beautiful boys, and Caden does have her smile. Love you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful example of how God is such a good father and knows our needs. That beautiful, light, positive, joyful spirit of your mother, reflected in the spirit and smile of your son. How comforting it must be to you. It warmed my heart to see that pic of them side by side.
LikeLiked by 1 person