I just got off the phone with my beautiful mom. We had a nice short convo like we always do. I probably talk to her once a day and if not its only because we are both crazy busy, but we never go more than a few days without a phone call. What would really be amazing is if she would text message. She is a little behind in the times…even my nani (this is grandma for those of you who are not Italian) text messages!
For the most part my mom and I have had a good relationship. We have had our lows, but we have had way more highs. There is so much to share with you about this extraordinary woman in my life, but today I’m just going to focus on one part of my mother’s life. She is a SURVIVOR. Glenda Lee Kipperman is one of the strongest women I have ever met and she continues to fight no matter what. My mother has survived a lot, but my Bible reading last night led me to think about the struggles she has had with her body for the past 25 years-basically since I’ve been alive. So, I have seen first hand and remembered almost everything
When I opened my Bible to 2Kings 20, I found that I had written “Mom” next to the title “Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery” And then I proceeded to see the verses that I had underlined that stood out to me: “Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, ‘Please Lord, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and wholeheartedly and have done what is good in your sight’ And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Isaiah had not yet gone out of the inner courtyard when the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of My people, “This is what the Lord God of your ancestor David says: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Look, I will heal you.'”
These verses struck a chord with me because I imagine my mom to be in Hezekiah’s position. Here is a little history of my mother’s consistent battle:
1985-She has her thyroid taken out.
1995-1st Discectomy (back surgery)-I remember at one point an ambulance came to the house to take my mom to the hospital.
Jan. 03-Gastric Bypass Surgery-after this there were many complications and there was a point where I was going to move back home from college in Southern California to help take care of my mom and sister…that’s how bad it was, which is what led to the next one.
July 03-2nd Bypass Surgery
Feb. 05-2nd Discectomy
March 05-3rd Discectomy
Oct 05-Cyst on left ovary removed
06-Gall Bladder Surgery
In-between all of these procedures it was not all peaches and cream. There were numerous other health issues and hospitalizations, but these were the big surgeries.
Most of the time I do not remember my mom ever really complaining to us about all that was going on. I know that she probably had talks with her sisters, but most the time my mom put off the vibes to us kids that she was strong, which is what a mom is suppose to do. But there was this one moment of vulnerability that I will never forget and I get emotional just typing it here.
I can’t remember which problem she was in the hospital for, but she was at one of her lowest points. I think she just wanted to throw in the towel. So, I asked everyone to leave, I closed the door and I had one of the most emotional heart to hearts I have ever had. My mom couldn’t even look at me. I sat there and “reprimanded” her for her attitude and for wanting to give up. Through tears I expressed to her how much we all needed her and even though all of what she has gone through has sucked, God’s plan is so much bigger than what we can see. I told her I loved her, kissed her, and left the room. I don’t think we have ever talked about that moment, but it will always resonate in my soul.
These days my mom is doing well with her health for the most part. She works for a chiropractor, so that makes it convenient for her back issues. And even though she still lives with back pain, she has been able to get off more and more meds as the days go on. I have gotten to see my mom grow spiritually through this entire process as well as help others who struggle with similar situations.
My mom has certainly showed my sister and I what it means to be a survivor and to rely on God through whatever comes our way. And even though God has not healed her body like we may want, I know for sure He has healed her heart and her soul-which mean so much more.
I love you Mom, forever and always.
The One... 