You've Been Given the Gift of Life, Give it Back!

Welcome friends and family!

Thank you for visiting my blog. It documents my amazing journey from pre to post double lung transplant. I am a 37 year old mother and wife with Cystic Fibrosis who has been more greatly blessed than I could ever imagine possible!

It has been a bumpy ride, but God has given me strength, love, friendship, and, FINALLY, health. My prayers have been answered, my miracle was granted, and I want to share the joy of my new life with you.

If you are a first time visitor, please take a moment to watch The Miracle of Transplantation video below. To me, pictures speak a thousand words.

My entries begin in April of 2008 and my double lung transplant was December 10. Scroll down to my blog archive and you can read from the beginning or jump around. If you are looking for a specific topic, you can use the search engine.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or feedback, I would love to hear from you!

I hope I can help you to experience the love God has for each and every one of us!

May God Bless You with Miracles in Your Life! Nancy


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Sunday, November 23, 2008

God bless the home-makers.

I can't think of a more important, yet too often unappreciated, job as that of the home-maker. You know who I mean, don't you? The person in your family who keeps things running smoothly and makes sure everyone is cared for and has what they need. This is the person who keeps clean clothes in the closet, warm meals on the table, dirty dishes out of the sink, every one's social calendar organized, and makes your house a "home". When was the last time you truly appreciated all this person does for you? When was the last time you thanked him/her?

Unlike other professions where a job well done is rewarded with promotions, bonuses, or raises, the more successful a home-maker is, the less likely anyone is to notice. When things are running smoothly in our homes, we tend to take for granted the person who is orchestrating that smoothness. It isn't until that person is unable to perform that all they do for us comes to light.

Why do I bring this up today? Because I used to be that home-maker. My life was devoted to the care of my family. I went to work each day to make money to help support us, then I came home and worked all night and weekend taking care of my family's needs. I will admit, there were times I felt extremely unappreciated, never unloved, but sometimes taken for granted.

Last night I saw this unappreciated feeling in my mother's eyes, and it made me very sad. She has given up 8 months plus of her life to come and take over for me. She has become our home-maker and my care provider. My family loves her dearly, yet they often take all of the wonderful things she does for us for granted. I am aware of the sacrifices she is making, because I was once making them myself.

So, today I want to remind you all to appreciate the home-makers in your life, don't allow them to feel unappreciated or taken for granted. Take the time to thank them, to help them, to give them a much needed break. What they do is a job filled with love, caring for the people who mean the most to them, and they should be praised and honored.

To my mom, thank you. Thank you for giving up your life to be here for me and my family. Never doubt that you are treasured and loved! I couldn't feel more blessed or be more grateful to have you as my mother. Nancy

5 comments:

kelly ferg said...

I'm sure you don't remember me but I was one of your both of your parents students and my mom is still very involved in their lives. I have been reading your blog often and really admire you and your strength that you share with others. Your love for your family is so sweet and your post today was really touching. I know your mom has touched many people's lives and I can see that being with you is the most important thing to her. You are so lucky that you have such a tender relationship with her that she is able to be there with you and help with anything you are in need of and for you to enjoy that time with her. I can see that you have inspired many people along the road and I'm sure that is a reflection of your good parents joined with your own testimony. I hope that the move will be good for you and the holidays filled with wonderful things. Good luck, Kelly Ferguson (Chapman)

The Basye-Arland Crew! said...

Nancy,
I'm so glad you found an apartment, close by, and large enough to have the family come as much as possible. That is wonderful!
You are so right about moms, your mom is pretty great!! She wouldn't be anywhere but where she is right now!! Although, she is dearly missed here!!
You are an incredible mom, wife, and daughter! Wishing you another great day!
Lots of love,
MB

Deb said...

Nancy,
Your mom is truly an angel. Thank you for writing such a wonderful tribute to her...and to all the home-makers in the world. She is a blessing, and we all need to focus more on our blessings...

Still keeping you ever so close in prayer, my friend. I hope your blessing comes soon. I want you to breathe easily again.
Love you!
Deb

Blomquist Blog said...

Sweet Nancy,

What a beautiful message you wrote about your mom. It is so true! I have always valued your mom in so many ways. She is an amazing woman, full of strength, great faith, and an undeniable love for her children! Your mom has sacrificed a lot, but I know for her she wouldn't be anywhere else. You mean the world to both of your parents, and they would do anything for you! I hope you are having a great Monday! I love you! Big hugs to Sweet Ann!

I love you!

Debbie

PS Dearest Ann,

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking care of Nancy during this difficult time. I know you wouldn't be anywhere else, but it shows how deep and true your love is for your daughter. I have always admired you! Hang in there, and please know that as a friend of Nancy's, I am SO appreciative of what you are doing for her and her family. God Bless You!

All my love,

Debbie

Becky said...

I double dog ditto ALL of the above! Ann is an amazing woman. But I wouldnt expect ANY thing less from ANYONE in your family. Your beauty is radiant! Nancy thank you for your tribute. As always. Amazing!

The Miracle of Transplantation

Pause the music player before watching.