Winner is...for IN THE MIDDLE OF MY HEART

(a precious gift from my husband today remembering how my mom wanted lilies at her memorial, which she did.  They will ever be special to me all the days of my life)

Please read this letter from my sister announcing the winner.

In loving memory of our mother, Mildred Ramona Oliveira, who we love dearly and miss like crazy. Our mommy departed so suddenly and I continue to ask, “why Lord?” There are many things we don’t understand in this world, but I know that God’s plan is perfect and I trust Him with all my heart. As one of the stories said, I know she is sleeping in God’s bed now and someday our family members will all jump in that comfy bed along side her and all will be good again. I love you mom and please hold the fort down until we get there.

First I want to thank everyone for loving and supporting my sister and for all your prayers for our family during this very sad time in our lives. Thank you for being there for Joanna. I know what you all mean to her and that warms my heart. Joanna and I miss our mom very much and the tears still flow everyday but with friends like you we can get through this.

When Joanna told me about my new task at hand, I was excited and happy to oblige. Wow, I did not realize how difficult this would be. After thoroughly reading each story I asked Joanna if she could give everyone a gift because it was too hard to pick just one, but since she couldn’t do that I had to make a decision.

Some stories made me sad, some brought me joy, and of course, some brought me tears. Each story touched my heart in its own special way. Each story showed me that no matter where we live in this world, we all have a common thread we call mom/mum/mommy/mother.  These stories showed me how utterly important a mom is in the life of her children and how much we daughters need our moms no matter how old we get.

As I was reading through each story, I kept in mind the title Joanna had given this give-a-way; “In honor of my mother’s love for me.” Our mother loved each one of her four children and Joanna had the special honor of being the firstborn child. Joanna was the first to show our mom the depth of love a mother has for her child. Joanna filled that space in the middle of our mommy’s heart that she didn’t even know was there before. There is no other love like a mother’s love for her child. Being the mother of three children, I can speak firsthand.

So, with all that said, I picked a story that explained a mother’s love in the most simplest but profound way. The winner is:

When I became a mother for the very first time, when my eyes fell on his beautiful face, it was at that moment I realized the depth of love my mother must have for me ~ the make-your-heart swell love, the lay-down-your-life love, the this-is-so-deep-to-the-very-core-of-my-being love. It was at that moment that I realized my dreams had come true, I was a mother to a precious gift from heaven... xxoo, Dawn

Posted by: Dawn | March 19, 2008 at 05:10 PM 

Thank you JoJo for letting me be part of this. It was truly special.

Love,

Nancy

CONGRATS TO Dawn from The Feathered Nest.  Please email your address so I can send this canvas to you tomorrow.  God Bless you!!

Thank you everyone so much for sharing your sentiments with us.  It really meant a lot.  Happy Easter!  He is Risen!!!

Last year at Easter time I was bald due to chemo.  I wanted to leave you with a picture I shared of myself at that time.  I painted my head and titled this:  I'm an Egg Head.  xoxoox joanna

Comments

[Violette]

Beautiful.....I remember that day !you were incredible , you were'nt going to be beaten by losing your hair , instead you turned things around and had fun painting your head .....What a beautiful spirit you are !
Hope you are feeling a little better .
Thinking of you
Love and XXXXXX
Vivi

[Rella]

Congratulations to Dawn!! I know she will truly love this special piece always. Happy Easter JoAnna!!

xox Rella

[Dawn]

Oh dear sweet JoAnnA ~ tears are spilling from my eyes!!! I'm so, so honored to win this from you, and the significance of the artwork makes it so very special to me!

Dear Nancy, thank you so, so much ~ to own one of JoAnnA Pierotti's pieces truly is such a blessing...I wish you both a peace that passes understanding in the knowledge that we all will be reunited with those who have gone before us ~

Much love and hugs to both of you,
xxoo,
Dawn

[terri]

Happy Easter JoAnna,
This is a beautiful post. see you bring out such warm and loving feelings in us all.

[Sarah]

I remeber this photo you posted JoAnnA...what a special spirit you have.
Big hugs xx Congratulations to Dawn

[Lorraine W.]

Dear Joanna ,
What special words you have written and Nancy too, in loving memory of a special Mum .I too remember the photo you posted what a special person you are.
What lovely words that Dawn wrote brings tears to my eyes.
Happy Easter
Hugs Lorraine oxox