As I read Lorrie's blog and the article from homeschool blogger, my heart aches for her family.  I can't help but think about all the changes that will occur over the next days, weeks and years.  A mother's absence, especially a homeschooling mother, must leave an incredible mark on the lives of her children.

Lorrie shared the news of her cancer on October 2nd.  I think about her words and life as she typed for the last time on her blog. 

Her next post was November 13th (written by her sister), where she shared the knowledge of her impending death and concern for her children.  A lump formed in my throat as I read this post, knowing I too, would be concerned only for my children and husband.  To think about my children in school, when all they've known is me as their teacher...

Her sister shared again on November 23rd... Thanksgiving Day... but this time it was to tell us of Lorrie's death...

As I sit here, I think of the short time from October 2nd until November 23rd... I don't know the details of the moments inbetween, but know as a mother, there could never be enough time to spend with my children and husband if I knew it were limited... yet... my time is...

Our time is limited... we know we won't be on this earth forever... yet, how often do we get caught up in the "every day"... every day?  Why am I not living as if each moment were my last, and why do I continually let the "world" in my life to distract me from the most precious earthly gifts I've been given?

Let's set aside Monday, December 11th in honor of Lorrie's life.  Let's take that day to spend with our children.  Maybe you will choose to make it a "kick-off" to a longer period of time off school such as a week, or even a month.  Whatever you choose to do, please tell your children about the life of this mother, and if they're old enough to understand, share with them about her death as well... not to worry your children, but to take time to tell them some of the things you may have never told them before such as...

• Why you homeschool them...
• Why you stay home instead of having a job...
• How being a mother has impacted your life...
• What you hope for their future...
• What you want them to know more than anything else...
• What you would want them to do if you were no longer here...

I did this when Missey Gray died, but will be discussing it again with my children.  I will be sure to tell my children that if I were no longer here that I know they would be sad, but that I would be in heaven and would want them to love and take care of each other.  I also want to tell them that even though I never want to leave them, the Lord already knows when I will die and that He knows best.  ("All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  Psalm 139:13)

It seems like such a sad topic that we never touch with them because we don't want to think about it ourselves or scare our children.  I know that as a child, there was nothing that scared me more than the thought of loosing my parents.  I wonder if I had been reassured by my parents, or been told about Psalm 139:13 if it would have been different.  I know as a wife I used to worry about the possibility of my husband dying, until he (bluntly) reminded me that the Lord already knows when he will die and there's nothing I can do about it so enjoy the time we have (yes, he really is THAT blunt). 

I for one want to know that my children know of the faith I have in the Lord and that I will be in heaven with Him when I die. There is a peace in knowing that my children will have that to go back to if ever the time arises.

You could also have your children take time to send a loved one a card or make a picture or letter expressing love and appreciation.  So often we wait for an occassion or holiday to do so... teach them to say "I love you" often.

Another idea to do in the evening after your children are all in bed is to write a special entry in a journal, remembering the day and giving thanks to the Lord for each moment given to you.  In your prayer, be sure to remember Lorrie's children who go to sleep without a mother and say a prayer for them and their future as well.

Our lives on earth are so short compared to the time we will spend with the Lord in Heaven.  Don't take these moments for granted... don't waste a one... and live each as if it were your last.  Please pass the word on to others and leave a comment if you'll be doing a T.R.E.K. with your children Monday, December 11th to celebrate the life of Lorrie Gnos.  For those of you who are married, you can also check out the S.H.M.I.L.Y. post, "Forever Yours..." - In Memory of Lorrie Gnos to do for your husband.

Serving HIS Purpose,
Amy