How do you quantify someone’s strength? If it’s how much weight you can lift, then I peaked years ago. Back in the day, I used to lift weights hardcore. It may be hard to imagine, but I was cut and chiseled. Today???? Not so much. Currently, I’m more easily recognized for my puffy and fluffy physique…but don’t underestimate me. I’m definitely stronger. Why?
Life experience has made me stronger. With life comes adversity, hardship and resistance. The same essentials required in weight lifting to increase your physical strength are necessary to increase your emotional, mental, and spiritual endurance.
In the past two weeks, I’ve had a front row seat to observe in people that I love, strength and stamina that’s hard to measure. In this series of posts, I want to HONOR them. Today, I want to honor my mother-in-law, Josephine.
Josephine (Debbie’s Mom). Tuesday morning I had the Honor of speaking at Josephine’s funeral. To date, I don’t know that I have ever met a stronger person. In 1975 at the age of 42, Josephine was diagnosed with Hodgkins disease. She was informed she had a 50/50 chance of living. She battled thru treatments for 6 months, only later to have her cancer return in 1977. Fast forward to 1989, she learned she had breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy.
Thru it all, she never complained. She never gave up. She used ALL her energy to battle her illness. But Josephine’s life is not marked by her cancer. Josephine’s life is marked by her SMILE. Her gorgeous contagious smile! The greatest strength Josephine possessed was she never lost her smile.
She smiled thru the sickness.
I marvel at her life, her endurance, and her perseverance. In fact, in her last week of life, Josephine displayed more strength than I have ever witnessed. Her mind was fully aware of all that was going on. And even when her body was shutting down and she could no longer talk…she couldn’t swallow…somehow she still managed the strength to Smile.
Josephine, “Mom Barndt,” you are an inspiration to all of us. I will never forget your strength. I will never forget your smile. Thank you for giving me your baby girl…She has your smile.
We will see you soon.
What a wonderful tribute to Josephine. Thank you for painting a picture of this amazing woman. I can’t wait to meet her one day.
I think I’ll recognize her by the smile.
God bless,
Sue
Thank you Buddy for your wonderful, inspiring, description of Deb’s mom’s charachter. It was touching and humbling. It isn’t an easy thing to smile through all that she went through. What great faith she had! I’m sure she is looking down upon everyone and SMILING. In Christ Jesus. Amen
I’m sorry Buddy and Debbie to hear about Josephine. Praise God for such a beautiful woman and that we can all learn how to live through her story.
I’m sorry to hear about Debbie’s mom. What an amazing women.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless YOU
Denise