We are pleased to post a "Reflection of a Mother's Heart" written by Diane Herman, our Associate Director.  May the words of her mother's heart bless and encourage you, and give you HOPE.  We love you, Diane, and we will remember your beautiful "Hope!"
 
"As I sit and think of the many blessings I have, and the promises that 2012 holds, I wonder what it would be like if my daughter, Hope, was still here.

Hope changed her address on January 11, 2008 from Fort Collins, Co to live with her earthly dad who had gone on 2-1/2 years before her after a battle with cancer, and her Heavenly Father after her own battle with cancer. She had just turned 11 and was in the 5th grade. She would be a Freshman in High School this year. Would she have played volleyball with her best friend Madison? Would she have continued her love of singing? 

I think of her many times a day, as I am sure you think of your child that you are missing,too. I'm sure we would all agree that there is something unique about losing a child, and that we are changed forever. The death of a child changes everything; our paths, our daily decisions, and our future as a woman - the ripple affect seems never-ending. 

Hope left me a gift that I listen to quite often. She recorded “In Christ Alone” months before she passed. It is a special gift, because she believed the words, even when they were put to the test; “No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me.  From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.” The words of this song that she sang echo in my mind. The truth she beieved and hung onto not only was revealed in her death, but I know she would want these truths to continue to be revealed in my life.

I look forward with great anticipation to the day I get to see my beautiful daughter again. Until then, I try to live my life with passion and great intensity and I am intentional about my response to the pain and suffering
a death can bring. For I know and believe what the Bible says in Deuteronomy that this life is a mist compared to all eternity. Did you know that technically a mist is only  7 seconds? I try to keep this in mind on the days that my heart aches for my child, and it helps me to know that Eternity is coming quickly, and I will be with the Savior and Hope in just about 7 seconds - in just a 'mist.'

Proverbs 3:5-6 has been a verse I have had to meditate on many times, during this journey through grief - 
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” My mind and mother's heart does not understand the death of a child, but I trust in the Lord and lean on Him to live each day with passion and purpose, until that day I see Him face-to-face and Hope again! 

With Love,
Diane Herman, "a mom like you."

Associate Director of "Mothers Like Me" Ministry
Founding Director of "Gifts of Hope" Ministry