And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4 NIV

My mother passed away on October 28, 2006. I often thought her heavenly crown must surely be full of jewels! A true “Proverbs 31” woman, she raised four children as a single parent and faithfully exposed us to the Lord and His Word. She has been sorely missed!

The many “firsts” without Mother began on Thanksgiving without her cheerful smile and great pastry cooking. Those pie crusts, so light and flaky, always included additional shells for me to use in the future.
Our first Christmas without her was especially hard as she had made many of our decorations.
I missed her the most on my first birthday celebration. My grieving grew to a climax – so real and painful to relive, even now.

Finally, when her birthday arrived, what a celebration of rejoicing knowing she no longer lives in pain! She will always be honored. She will never be forgotten. And she lives forever with her Savior now!

The “firsts” have passed, and He is faithful in His promise to “wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death, there will no longer be any mournings, or crying, or pain, the first things have passed away.” Rev 21:4.

Thank you, Lord, for conquering death, for Your promise of the crown of glory that will never fade away.

written by Leatine Fasano