I am writing this on October 25, 2025. It is 12:05 in the morning. I just got the message from my sister that my mom passed away and went home to be with Jesus and my dad. My emotions are irrational, and all over the place. The younger Jamie is having a fit and feeling abandoned and rejected all in the same swoop. It is not because of anyone doing anything. It is because of the stressful couple of months I have been having. My mom’s passing is mixed with not having a phone for almost two months. It is overwhelming. I will write about the phone saga at another time. 

I was 13 when I met my mom and dad, it was just after I moved in with my sister and her family. One day my nephew, he was ten at the time, went bike riding and we went visiting his adopted grandparents. We went to my parents’ home and he introduced me. I liked them. They invited me to go to church with them. Six months later, while my sister was going through her marital issues, she asked them to take me in and the rest is history. 

Maurine and Richard were not perfect, but they felt next to perfect compared to what I just came out of. Maurine and Richard were devout Christians who exemplified Jesus teachings of the Fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. They wore these fruits well. Maurine, while being a wife and a mother, helped people with disabilities, while blind. She learned braille, living and thriving with her eyesight despite her leaving her, she still created gorgeous bouquets for her church every Sunday, tryed new recipes, and many creative art projects. She taught her children these same life skills. I learned a lot from her. I learned to live and aim to follow the fruits of the spirit. I learned to think for myself, to endure suffering while maintaining dignity, joy, and kindness in my heart. I have been complimented on my attitude while dealing with my own chronic illness. I learned from this woman. I have great respect, love, and appreciation for the huge blessing I have been given with her being in my life. 

I saw my mom Sunday night, my sister Carri spoke for me. Currently, I am struggling with talking. I held my mom’s hand. I told her that I love her and that it was okay for her to go be with Jesus. I also thanked her for choosing to be my mom. My heart is heavy while at the time feeling empathy for my mom and her suffering. She was 92 years old. She was not able to get out of bed and do things for herself and choked on her food. I hated seeing her suffering. In my heart and spirit I knew the end was drawing near. I knew she was tired and wanted to be with Jesus. I hate seeing her go, but I knew that it was what was best for her. She did  not deserve to suffer anymore. She deserved to be at peace with Jesus and my dad. 

I will always remember her and the lesson of the fruits of the spirit and wearing the fruits on my person and my life. I want to be as powerful, authentic, and appreciative of God and others in my life as she was. 

I am in the middle of my suffering and I am reminded of how I am to be and have a good example in her to guide me. 

I want to share two scriptures that are powerful and a reminder of what the fruits of the spirit are. 

Galatians 5:22-23: The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. 

Colossians 3:12:  Therefore, as God’s people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing one another and forgiving each other. 

I love you mom, I am thankful for you. I am proud to be called your daughter. I will remember the lessons of the fruits of the spirit you have taught me. I am humbled by the way you suffered without being abusive to people and keeping a good attitude. Thank you for loving me and choosing me to be a part of your family.