A Mother's Love

I have been very blessed over the past nine years to have the unconditional acceptance and love of my friend Tina. Through good times and bad with an unconditional acceptance I had only known with my husband. She has stood by me, even when she disagreed with me or my actions. I could only describe this as a sisterly love and one I had never known before meeting Tina. A love I never accepted before knowing Christ.

Being close to Tina has introduced me to so much I had no other way to know or see. Through watching Tina's relationship and interaction with her mother, I have been able to see how loving and caring functional mother and daughter relationships work.

I have also been able to see unconditional love of a child by watching Tina's family grow with the birth of each of her children. It has been amazing to see Tina's bond to her children and especially her little girl. Another picture of how truly beautiful a mother's love for their daughter can be.

When each of Tina's children were born, when each birthday party, so many times, I got just a glimpse of the love of a grandmother for her grandchildren. How wonderful it has been to see such a healthy relationship between a grandparent and grandchild and the sparkle of love in a grandmother's eyes.

A month ago, Tina's mother was diagnosed with cancer. I've watched Tina's response to her mother's condition. While I don't understand how she feels because I don't have the same relationship with my mother, I see how the unconditional love becomes even stronger in trials.

As Tina's mom continues to fight for her life through the spreading cancer and other complications of her condition, all I can do or any of us can do is pray. Pray that Tina could have the time she needs with her mother, pray that God would comfort the family, pray that God be with Karen, just pray.

Through the pain of seeing someone I care about hurt and the prayers, I cannot help but see the most beautiful gift. A mother and daughter who both know the love of each other and the love of God.

I will continue to praise God for their love of each other and pray for God's comfort and healing for all of the family.

Originally written on 8/29/08
Note: Just days after this was originally posted, Karen Dolbeare lost her short, yet valiant fight against breast cancer. She has returned home to be with her heavenly Father. Though her earthly family has grieved the loss, she is living her eternal life. I pray that her passing from this life will draw those who love her dearly to the Lord so that they too may have eternal life some day.