Dad’s First Birthday without Mom {Wednesdays with Wanda}

Hello sweet friends.

(Please be sure to read to the end of this post because I need your help with something.)

This past weekend, we celebrated my dad’s 69th birthday.

It was his first birthday without Mom.

I don’t know if you remember from last year, but my mom found out she had stage IV gastric cancer on August, 6th, 2009.  Four weeks later we celebrated Dad’s birthday.

We had a wonderful time together, but there was a sadness knowing that it would probably be their last together.

Saturday, I had my family over  to celebrate my dad’s birthday and (my) Luke’s 9th birthday.  Luckily, we were very excited to watch the UK vs. U of L football game that day!  (HUGE rivalries.)

It was a great distraction for dad.  We all wore our UK blue and cheered the Cats to a victory over Louisville!  Go Big Blue!

Here are a few pictures from the day…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What would we do without our families?

Just by being together, we turned what could have been a very sad day into a day with many smiles.

Of course, it’s very easy to smile when you are celebrating my dad!

He’s such an amazing father and grandfather.  I didn’t think I could love him any more…but I do!

I can hardly believe that in two weeks it will be the one year anniversary of my mom’s passing.

I cannot believe it.

To even say that I have been without my mom for a YEAR is beyond grasping.

Mom passed away in the early hours of the morning, September 22nd, 2009.

That day and the days to follow are somewhat of a blur to me.  Her passing came so quickly and was so unexpected.

We immediately began doing what all families do and began making plans for her funeral.

As the days passed after her funeral, I had a burning inside of me to share about my mom on my blog.

My readers (YOU) had given me so much comfort during that trying time.

I wanted you to know my mom.  Really know her.

Because in my opinion as her daughter, anyone who didn’t get to meet my mom on this earth really missed out!

She was one of a kind.  She was rare. She was special.

I pray that over this past year, as I have shared with you stories of my mom every Wednesday, that you have been able to get a glimpse into the beautiful heart of my amazing mother.

Was she perfect?

Absolutely not.

Did she make mistakes?

Absolutely yes.

But did she make a huge impact for God’s kingdom none-the-less?

You better believe it!!!

God can use each of us to touch the lives of others if we will just let Him.

I believe that God has even used my little ol’ blog to touch the lives of others through the stories of my mom.

I’ve been humbled by so many of your emails and comments.

So many of you have said you have been so blessed by my posts.  But the truth is ladies, I am really the one who has received the most blessings!

Though this past year has been one of the most difficult years of my life, God has used this blog and YOU to shower me with His blessings.  My cup runneth over!

When I started writing about Mom every Wednesday, I had no idea how long it would last or what I would even write about.  But each week, I felt the Lord lay something different on my heart to share.

I have talked to my sister for quite sometime about whether I should continue writing about Mom each week, or stop at her one year anniversary.

Right now, I am thinking that my last weekly Wednesday with Wanda post will be on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.  (The one year anniversary of her passing.)  I think it is so ironic that it lands on a Wednesday.

I need your advice on what to do.

I love that my Wednesdays with Wanda posts have given me an outlet to share my faith and let you, my readers, know a little bit more about me.  So, I wonder if I should keep Wednesdays as my “faith” day.  A day that I just share what God is teaching me, or has taught me.  I could still share stories of my mom during that time too.  I thought I could call it “Matters of the Heart”, or something?

That way, you could still come see me each Wednesday, and hopefully be encouraged in some small way in your walk with Christ.

Or if I didn’t do that, maybe I could do a Wednesday with Wanda post the first Wednesday of each month?

Or should I just keep doing them every Wednesday?

Let me know what you are thinking, ladies!

I need to hear your voices!

If you haven’t ever commented before, but have an opinion about this, please let me know.

Your comments will help me decide what to do.

Here’s one thing I DO know, though…

I couldn’t have gotten through this past year without YOU!

Sending many blessings your way,

Traci

69 Comments

  1. Traci, this might not be much of a help, but I think that it doesn’t matter so much about the title or an exact theme as it does that you continue to be genuine and sincere with who you are. Part of that is how much you loved your mom and her impact on you, so it’s entirely appropriate to share when you feel like it. The Lord has also given you your own unique experiences along your journey with Him, and it’s absolutely appropriate to share those, too. If picking a day and giving it a name helps you stay organized, then do it. I’ll come read because I simply like what you have to say!

  2. Traci, Whatever feels right for you but I have to say each of your weekly Wednesday’s with Wanda such a blessing to read. They really touch my inner being. Thanks for sharing. paula

  3. I love reading your weekly tributes to your dear sweet mother. No matter the choice you make, I will continue to be a faithful reader. Many blessings to you!

    Erica

  4. I have so very much enjoyed “Wednesdays with Wanda”. But honestly, I think that this is a decision that only YOU can make. What is your heart telling you? Do you still feel the burning need to share your mother with the blogging community, or are you finding some peace now and are finding it easier to put her passing in a warm,comfortable corner of your heart?

    Whatever you decide, I’m sure it will be the right decision for you.

    Blessings

  5. I, too, have found such joy in reading your Wednesdays with Wanda posts. I’m a firm believer in just going where the Holy Spirit leads you to go. Maybe keep Wednesdays set apart for what is on your heart, but as far as content, just let the Holy Spirit speak through you about what He wants others to hear. He knows all our needs!
    Blessings,
    Jill D. from NC

  6. Traci, you don’t have to make a commitment to Wed. with Wanda for the year. Why not just continue to go week by week, seeing what God would have you say for as long as He continues to speak through memories of your mom. Or….if you go with Matters of the Heart, it could be something about your mom one week, and something about another topic another week. There, I’ve been no help. It’ll come clear, I know! Oh, we were in Kentucky Aug. 26-29, at our cousin’s horse farm in Florence. It was just two blogs ago and you might enjoy the pics. What a beautiful state! Linda

  7. I love to read your posts about your wonderful Mother. I look forward to Wednesdays. Please continue passing on the blessings, lessons, and love that you have. Have a wonderful day.

  8. I think you let the Holy Spirit lead you, your blog is always sincere and spending Wednesdays encouraging others in faith with your words is awesome.

  9. Traci – I don’t think I have ever commented before but I wanted you to know that each Wednesday I pop over here to specifically read your Wednesdays with Wanda posts. What an example your mother set! It is so evident in your posts that she set an example not for you to follow “her” but for you to follow the One she was clearly following! Will I miss the WwW posts if you decide to stop – OF COURSE!… but I know He will continue to use you to help us :)

    Thank you so much for sharing!!!

  10. Traci: I came upon your blog while searching for paint color ideas and while I definitely fell in love with your decorating style, I have also found such inspiration in your “Wednesdays with Wanda” series. I would describe myself as a person who is trying to develop a relationship with God. I’m sad to say that my journey has been surprisingly difficult. When I read about your Mom’s faith and YOUR faith, I’m inspired to keep working my way to God. I want to be a person who lives in faith. Having said all of that, I would encourage you to write whatever is in your heart and to remember that as proud as you are of your Mom (she sounds amazing!!!), she must be just as proud of you. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Tricia

  11. I do not comment much and cannot remember if I ever have commented on this blog. However, I have been reading (following) for quite some time.

    I can tell that your Mother was an amazing woman who loved God wholeheartedly. I also believe that God allowed this weekly posting be used to help you deal with the grief of her passing. He also used it to help others — what a blessing it was to me (and to other readers)!

    Only you know the answer. Follow God’s leading and your heart concerning this weekly Wednesday posting. It may be time to move on. It may be time for a chance and let yourself and your faith shine through. It may be time to keep it going just a tad more. It may be time to step away all together. Like I said, only you know the answer as we don’t know what all entails in your life. God does though.

    I will continue to follow and read this blog no matter what decision(s) you make concerning with it.

  12. I love Wednesdays with Wanda! I agree with letting the Holy Spirit led you. I like the idea of having Wednesday with Wanda the first Wednesday of each month and then speaking on whatever’s on your heart the other Wednesdays.

    Agreeing with others again, it is yours to decide! :)

  13. Well, on one hand I agree with everyone above me, it is your decision, and whatever your heart tells you to do – I will continue to read your posts – your inspiration and love of family and the Lord inspires me to be a better person.
    However, on the other, selfish hand – I would miss WwW each week – its a pleasure to be invited to see a glimpse of that special woman you called Mom.

    God Bless you, Traci, as you mark the one year anniversary of your Mom’s passing.
    -karin

    xx

  14. Hi Traci,

    I love your Wed. with Wanda posts. But, I also love everything else you post about. You are always uplifing and enjoyable to read. I look forward to each and every post. I think it doesn’t matter which way you decide to go, I love reading whatever you are writing about. But I would hope to still see Wed. with Wanda, maybe 1 a month or every other month, I especially enjoy when you write about her writing job for the paper and share her recipes & traditions.

    Hugs!

  15. Traci,
    I have never replied to any of your previous postings but I have followed your blog since the time your Mom became sick and passed away. While I look forward to reading your postings about decorating and other topics, I have actually shared some of your postings about your Mom and lessons she taught you, etc. with others who I thought also needed encouragement. The final decision has to be yours. Only you know how much time you have to have a quality family life. With a job, I’m sure it’s difficult to find those extra minutes to post. If it keeps you on track on your own spiritual journey, then you may wnat to consider either keep Wed. with Wanda going or some modification. I know God will help you make this decision. Thanks for letting us get to know you, your family and your Mom. She was indeed an angel. Linda

  16. I have been inspired by Wednesdays with Wanda, and like the idea of Wednesday being a faith day. I know that your mom has smiled with pride from Heaven as she watched you handle your loss this year.

  17. I have always loved reading your Wednesdays with Wanda posts. I think it is really wonderful that the anniversary of her passing falls on a Wednesday.

    As for keeping up the theme, I think you have to do what feels right for you. If it gives you comfort to talk about your mom every week, then you should do it. If you want it to be less structured than we will love listening to your stories of your mother and testimony of faith on any day of the week.

  18. traci, i think that you shoud do what you feel. but i think that your wednesday’s with wonda helps you in some way of keeping your mom’s mermory alive and it helps you to cope with it all to remember all the good times you spent with her. it is always goood to talk. talking always helps heal. whatever you decide will be the right choice and the best choice for you. god bless… whatever you decide i will still be looking at your blog to see what you are doing.
    take care – michelle

    p.s. that was great to keep your dad’s mind off of his last birthday.. you are such a kind and loving person!

  19. I think you should do whatever your heart is telling you to do, Traci. Some weeks I read your Wednesday posts and others I don’t; not for any reason, I either have time or I don’t {and I always skip recipe posts no matter who writes them, so if any of them were recipes I didn’t read them!}. It’s your blog after all and many people use their blog as a journal. The only reason I would say to not continue with your Mom being the subject is if you were continually depressed and still having a really hard time, because then I’d be concerned about your health. Otherwise, I say do what you want! : )

  20. I believe last week was the first time I commented on your blog, but you have been in my prayers since I found it just about the time your mom passed. I will continue to read even if you choose to stop posting
    WwW weekly. Perhaps you are ready to leave the stage of grieving you are in now? Only you can decide. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. We each do it our own way. God bless you.

  21. Hi Traci, :-)

    I went back to your post on August 11, 2010 ;

    Traci, honey, you are exhausted. Don’t you worry about writing about me. Go to bed, sweetie, get your rest. I want you to have a good day tomorrow.”

    You’re a blessing no matter what you choose to do.
    Have a very blessed day,
    Kathy in Texas :-)

  22. I think you are putting undue stress on yourself by worrying about whether to keep your Wed. with Wanda posts. I think you should post whatever is upon your heart each and every day. I have come to know and love your mom and how she took care of her family through your posts. I can only hope that one day my children will feel the same way about me! Sometimes we (especially me) put ourselves in this “box” of routine or schedule and feel like we let others down when we try to change. Who knows? You might need to do a whole week of posts about her, or the Lord may lead you to another need somewhere. Please pray and do as your heart tells you to do

  23. I think bringing your actual ‘Wednesday with Wanda’ posts to an end on Sept 22nd would be nice… of course that is not meant to say you shouldn’t post any more about your sweet Mom. I think posting any time you feel like it is a blessing to many of us. The last thing you want to feel is pressure in thinking you HAVE to get your post done by Wednesday. I like the idea of keeping Wednesday a ‘faith filled post’ if that’s what you would like, or even a monthly post about your Mom. Bottom line Tracey, you post when you want to sweetie. Your readers will still come ;-)
    hugs
    Denise

  24. Traci,
    I have treasured Wednesdays. with Wonda. It has been an honor getting to know your mother through these posts. I think its important with the grieving process that you allow yourself the freedom to write when you feel the need to and with hold from writting when you simply can’t bear it. I would prayerfully follow your heart on this…I have enjoyed your blog and will continue no matter what you decide! Grief is messy and as much as it would be nice to wrap it up with a cute little bow…I have the feeling it will continue to seap through! Thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable, it has been a complete blessing to me.
    In Him,
    Lisa Wagner (one of your previously silent readers!)

  25. I just found your post for the first time today. It’s funny, because I have actually had the same dilemma about something fairly similar I am doing regarding my Dad. He passed away just one month prior to your Mom. He was a pastor and left behind a wonderful legacy. (You can check out my postings starting here: http://debbie-idodesigns.blogspot.com/2010/08/best-diy-project-ever-introduction-to.html) I questioned whether or not it was the right thing, or the right PLACE to post. I felt SO led by the Lord to start the posting, but then I guess Satin started putting those old doubts in my mind. Through these postings I “met” a young lady that was badly in need of prayer and someone to stand with her through a very difficult time. I have now become her “Blog Mom” and we correspond on a regular basis. Every time I have started to doubt myself, someone visits my blog and leaves a message of appreciation and encouragement. This cements in my mind that God is using these postings for HIS glory. My Dad would be so happy to know that his messages are living on and still being used to help others. I don’t post on a “regular” basis, just when I am able to get the next message typed up.

    If these postings have brought YOU a blessing, then by all means keep it up. It sounds as though the Lord laid it on your heart as well, so don’t start doubting now. Others will “stumble” across your postings – just like I did today – and may receive a real blessing. I can already tell, by the comments left prior to mine, that your posts have been well received. Perhaps you might not want to put so much pressure on yourself to post at a certain time, but I would encourage you to post – no matter what. Isn’t it wonderful that even the death of a loved one can be used for HIS glory???!!! I plan to go back and start at the beginning and learn about your Mom.

    Many hugs and blessings to you!
    Debbie

    P.S. You now have a new follower!!

  26. I’m so glad that you were able to have a nice day with family to celebrate your dad’s Birthday. Sounds like you have a very special family.
    Well, you do what you feel is best for you, but I, for 1 will miss WwW. I look forward to them. I learn from them. I want to be a better Mom when I read about her. I want to be a better Christian……
    ( & no guilt if you decide that 1 yr. was enough : )
    Blessings as you contemplate….. : )

  27. Keep it! But, don’t feel obligated to always have a story about your mom.. just maybe other inspirational items.

  28. Tracy,
    I read alot of blogs, mostly just photography or home decorating/craft blogs. And while occasionally the talented writers will share about their family and personal life, it’s more of an after-thought. But your blog is so different. I love that it is so filled with the Spirit. I’m not a cry-er, I don’t often shed alot of tears, but I’ve got to tell ya, some of your Wed. w/ Wanda posts have been so heart-felt and moving that I have just broken down at what profound, loving women your mom and YOU are. I especially love the posts when you share her notes that she jotted in her Bible…there is something so personal, so authentic about reading her handwriting.
    I would love for you to keep the Wed. w/ Wanda, but I also would love to hear what’s happening in your faith walk. I know you are crazy busy, and barely have time to cook dinner, much less write a blog post, so whatever you decide, I will support. I just wanted you to know that I so look forward to your Wednesday posts b/c it’s such a breathe of fresh air in blogworld.
    Blessings with your decision. Thanks for your inspiration and genuine love for our great Lord. It’s always a delight to stop over here at Beneath My Heart.

  29. Hello sweet Traci. I love the idea of Matters of the Heart. It gives us all a chance to share what’s on our hearts that day/week. I want you to know that even though I’ve been lax in leaving comments on all blogs lately, I never missed a “WWW” post. In fact, I’ve looked forward to them each and every week. Your mother’s one year anniversary falls on a special day for me this year. It’s the day I will see my baby on my 20-week ultrasound. That day has been embedded in my brain for weeks with anticipation, and now it will have another special meaning to me too. I will remember you and your sweet mother as I look forward to a new life.
    xoxo,
    Kim

  30. I love that you speak of Christ and you mother. So I don’t want you to stop, but I understand if you dont want to do it as much. I think it would be really nice to hear about your faith with “Matters of the Heart” and maybe once a month have a special Wednesdays with Wanda.
    I lost my mother to cancer 5 years ago. Of course the hurt never goes away, but it does get so much better after the 1st year. I think it took me about 5 years to feel completely normal. Even though I believe I will see my mother again it was still so hard. Each year getting easier and easier. Someone reminded me that it wouldn’t be so hard if I wasnt lucky enough to feel such love from my mother while she was here on earth. Obviously you are just as lucky to have been blessed with a beautiful mother, father and family. I love reading about your family! You are also such a beautiful person inside and out

  31. Hello again!

    I am not sure if you remember me, but I also lost my Mom in September last year. The 20th will be the first anniversary of her death and I cannot grasp that it has been almost a year either.

    I have been writing about specific, significant memories with my Mom and I strive to keep writing as long as I keep remembering. It’s a way of documenting all of my special memories to share with my future family.

    I believe you should keep writing as long as you have something to share. I think it is a great way to document your memories / thoughts about your mother. You also could save them to share with your sons later on in life.

    Don’t set a schedule, just keep writing as long as your heart desires.

    <3

  32. May God comfort you when you are missing your dear Mom.
    I like your Wednesday posts about your Mom.

    Appreciate your prayers…September 9th, I will be having surgery to remove the rest of a cancerous thyroid. This is the second surgery in 5 weeks.

    God bless and may you have a sweet Autumn,
    d from homehaven

  33. I love reading post about your mother, it has become my Wednesday ritual! Such a wonderful way to share your mother with all of us, but a great way to document all these memories for your children. You should listen to your heart, write your post as God puts them on your heart to share with us. Whatever day that might be, I will be here to read it….Love and Blessings

  34. Hi Traci,
    I enjoy reading your Wednesdays with Wanda postings….but I really do understand if you decide to stop. Of course I’ll keep reading your blog and your postings.
    You have certainly showed us all the Love of God through your mother and her life.
    I am praying for you and your family.
    Fondly,
    Ann
    @
    The Tattered Tassel

  35. Traci, I love all your posts and think that whatever decision you make will be the right one. Keeping you in my prayers. xxx

  36. Well since you asked… I love your Wednesday with Wanda’s posts. I really look forward to reading them after work Wednesday nights. They’re really inspiring and I think it is very special for you to share such personal info with us but WOW, WOW(I’ve got goosebumps thinking about it) there were times I’d have bad days or hard times and it was just like God put your posts in my path on the right days. You truly were blessed with this special woman in your life, thank you for sharing, the posts and blog have really been a blessing to me.

    PS: I do love your decorating tips too!

  37. I feel that whatever way you want to share God’s Word is how you should proceed. Your Wednesdays With Wanda have been a blessing to you as well as your readers. And allowing others a glimpse into your life so that we can see how He has blessed your life is great. For you, sharing your mother’s life is a way of witnessing and what a tribute to her and her walk with The Lord! I always have a hard time telling someone what I think they should do! That’s why it’s hard for me to tell you what I think you should do, because honestly, the examples you gave are all good choices! Go with your heart and what you feel is right for you. Blessings!

    Nancy

  38. Traci

    Wow! Where do I begin. I found your blog because I was looking for help with refinishing my kitchen table. You were able to hook me up to another blogger (Miss Mustard Seed) to help me out. You have been so kind and reached out to help me in more ways than you realize. Your Wednesday’s with Wanda has been a true blessing to me this summer as I have faced some difficult personal struggles. Even as a believer, sometimes I was struggling with my faith in God over issues, but every time I would read your WWW, my faith and my hope was renewed. I know in my heart that I would never quit believing in God, but my hope had been crushed on many occasions. God is using you in so many ways to share His love for us and to minister to those in need. So whatever you decide is right for you to do, I will always be following your blog. It has truly been a source of comfort, smiles, laughter etc. I love WWW, but I understand that you have to do what is best for you too.

    Hugs & Blessings to you!

    Marilyn C. – your TN neighbor

  39. Aw Traci,
    you are a sweet soul. I have thoroughly enjoyed the WWW posts this past year. I feel in a small way I have had the chance to know your mom and also learn from her through you. Through your sharing I have learned that she was a wonderful , Godly mom, sister, wife. She was always about the Lord’s work. Whether you choose to share once a month about your mom or occassionally, I wll ALWAYS stop by your blog. Love the idea of “matter of the heart.” I think we all could gleen a little bit of whatever God has on your heart to share.
    Blessings to you sweet friend,
    Cheryl

  40. Traci,

    I am new to your blog but I look forward to Wednesdays, checking your blog early in the morning to read about your wonderful mother! Please keep WWW posts coming as long as you are able to. It has truly been a source of inspiration, helping me to get through the week.

    Thanks for all your posts! Love and Prayers,

    Arlene

    A friend in CA

  41. I think continuing with a ‘faith’ column gives you flexibility & you can share what ever is on your heart….ps – I am so looking forward to meeting your mum in heaven one day, along with your gorgeous family too!!!

    TK xx

  42. I have loved reading about your Mother! I know your heart will guide you on how you want to continue. If you are unsure maybe it would be good to label it “Matters of the Heart” or something.

    Thanks for your wonderful inspiration!
    Mary

  43. Please keep posting every Wednesday. I really love reading your faith building posts. I also love your Wednesday’s with Wanda. Your mother sounds like an amazing woman. We need her example!
    Just know that your comments have made a difference in my life.

  44. I love your blog in all respects. Keep doing Wed. with Wanda as you feel led. I say don’t feel pressured to do it every single Wed. if you don’t want to, but to do it as often as you wish. There may be some times that it is occasional, or some times that it is more frequent. We love reading what you write and it is a great testimony of your faith. Today is actually my birthday, and I’m already wishing I could hear the story of my birth just one more time from my mother. She passed away 5 years ago from ovarian cancer. I rejoice that she is with the Lord, but miss having my mama just as I have seen you miss your mom as well over the last year. Main thing is….don’t keep it up on Wednesdays just for the sake of doing it! When you have a sweet memory or story, feel free to share it! We all love it! My comments are too long! You are loved….I think we would be friends if we actually knew each other!

  45. Traci, I hope to some extent you will continue to post about your special mom. Your Mom is from a generation that was still a little “old fashioned”, took the time to put alot of thought in every thing she did, carried herself with grace and dignity, was proud to be a wife and mother and was humble and teachable. She is the perfect example of a homemaker. You need to keep your mothers way of life posted. Its something our generation and others to follow need to be reminded of. We would all be better women if we would follow your mothers example and make faith and family our lifes goal. I really believe if we were more like your mom the advasary wouldn’t temp us so much. Thanks for sharing your Mom with us, she is a shining example for all of us to learn from!

  46. I just wanted you to know how much I truly have enjoyed your Wednesday’s with Wanda posts! I really do look forward to them every week, but completely understand if you need to cut back on the number of posts you do. I think it is a great way to document all of the great memories of your mom and to share her special qualities with the blog world :) I never got to know my mom because she died when I was very young but God has blessed me with so many other “stand-in-mom’s” that have been such a great influence in my life… Just like he has blessed you with amazing Aunt’s who have helped “mother” you since your mom’s passing. I truly hope you will continue to write about your Mom on your blog, even if it’s not every week, she sounds like an amazing woman!

    1. I would so miss your wednesday with Wanda ..Even though I am not always able to read each week I do catch up when ever I can…

      I would love to be like your mother she seems like an awesome woman…and I love the LOVE that you have for her…

      Yes she was remarkable and I would LOVE to continue to read about her as long as and whenever you are able to write…

      I want to be just like her when I grow up…LOL

      Yep I want to be just like Wanda Faye when I grow up….I laugh as I say that because my name is also Wanda Faye…..it really is…

  47. I love this post so much. I only started blogging at the beginning of this last summer and am so overwhelmed at how many sweet bloggers love the Lord! It’s been an amazing community. Thank you for sharing your heart, your home and your faith in Jesus Christ. Keep the Wednesdays with Wanda posts coming whenever you feel led! They are inspiring. Lots of prayers coming to you and your family as the 22nd approaches. May the Lord continue to bless you and your beautiful family!
    Happy Thursday!
    XO Michaela

  48. I love Wednesdays With Wanda. It makes me feel like I know a lady that I have never met before but wish I had! However, there may come a time (hard to believe this right now) that you may not have something to share every Wednesday. For that reason, I like the 1st Wed. of every month dedicated to her. Then use the other Wednesdays for sharing how God has worked in your life. Either way, we readers win. You have a flair for writing and I enjoy reading your blog each time you post. No matter which way you decide to do it, you have a faithful reader here! -Karen

  49. Traci,

    I am one of Whitneys patients in Lexington….and only knew you were her cousin because I saw a picture of her on your blog one day. Small world huh?
    You know, I am not sure that you can make that decision about “Wednesdays with Wanda” with anyones help. When we write about our loved ones, it brings back loads of memories. My mom is still living, but I know when she dies that it would make me sad if I wrote about her every week. I dunno, I love my mom so much….it just seems to me you should write about Wanda whenever the mood hits you….
    I know you are busier these days with work etc…so taking time to blog is probably low on your list right now. If you are like me you create to releive stress.
    Your mother was a wonder ful person, she gave you many talents…. and I hope you contiue this wonderful blog that gives your readers so much joy!
    Jeri

  50. I agree with jeri above, that you should write about your Mom just when you feel like it. It’s hard to put grief on a schedule. Your posts are lovely, and your Mom sounded like a wonderful lady.

    I lost my younger sister earlier this year, and it is an up and down ride for a while and it will level off.
    I think you are on the right track, tho, with your laughter. That is the best medicine for all of us.

    You do just what you want to do and know you are not alone.

    I have enjoyed your blog !

  51. Putting my 2 cents in here also. Sweet Traci, I have been shaken in my faith over the course of the last year and a half. On so many occasions Wednesdays with Wanda have made me reconsider that doubt that I have had, because you and your mother are such believers. I have emailed you regarding how your relationship with each other and with the Lord has touched me so. You have expressed her unwavering faith so well that I have made some breakthroughs with my own. You have helped me turn my eyes toward God in gratitude and surrender when all I wanted to do was turn in anger and hide. I have had to brace myself on Wednesdays, just because I know when I open the post that I better have a tissue at the ready. These posts have been so positive to me, but so have your other posts about the Lord and drop cloth curtains!

    I agree with previous commenters that you do what is right for you. Your faith shines through your posts if it is Wednesday or not. If you chose for it to end, I will miss it, but as has been said before, it is a choice that only you can make. There are things I refer to frequently, jewels in our crowns and daffodils that conjure you and your mother in my mind, and I even sought out one of my grandmother’s bibles just for her hand written notes inside, but those are things that may come out in your writing at other times anyway. I guess what I am trying to say is please don’t stop sharing your faith with us/me. Your blog has been a literal Godsend to me in a really difficult time. If that sharing comes in the form of WWW or with you, it matters not. What matters is that you do what feels right to you.

    Many continued blessings to you and I will be praying extra hard for you and your family during this difficult month. Whatever you decide you will still have a dedicated reader in me.

  52. I feel like I have gotten to know your Mom during the past months. She was a wonderful woman. You do it however you choose, but either way, I will continue to come over on Wednesdays to be blessed.

  53. Traci, I think you should do what your heart is leading you to do. I love your Matters of the Heart idea. Your mother is so intertwined in who you are you are honoring her each day of your life by just being you! Thinking of you guys… :)

  54. Thank you for sharing your Mom with us. I can’t wait til Wednesdays. Especially that I have always enjoyed Homelife magazine and now I know someone who wrote those wonderful recipes. You are truly blessed.

    Thanks for blessing me with your memories.

  55. Hi Traci:

    What I think your mom would say is… do what works well for you. You are a busy mom and wife and your days are pretty full. I would think that when there is a new thought or recipe or word to share on her, do it then, but I don’t think she would you to be TIED to a particular day.

    Just an ‘old mom’ speaking here…

    I already love your mom, we all do….

    Love,

    Sonja

  56. Traci, I love your Wednesdays with Wanda posts, just as I love the fact that you have the photo of your mom with her listed as your heart’s inspiration. I think you have honored her memory beautifully with these posts, just as I know you showed her honor when she was here with you.

    I love learning from your mom, and I love sharing in your faith walk. I will miss the Wednesdays with Wanda posts if you decide to stop them, but mostly I think I would be disappointed if you stopped sharing your heart. I’d love to see you keep sharing these sweet parts of yourself, whether it be in the form of a “Matters of the Heart” post or whatever else. Whatever decision you make, I’ll be one of your most faithful readers and grateful to know you.

    Maybe the anniversary of your mom’s death would be a great time to wrap up the weekly series or change to a monthly format. Or maybe you could just share a “Word from Wanda” from time to time as the Spirit moves you! I do think you should feel free to choose whatever format works best for you. I know your mom would want you to do whatever works best for you and your family.

    God bless you as you make a decision that will bring glory to Him and peace to your heart. I love you!

  57. Dear Traci ~ I have enjoyed your posts about your dear Mom very much. Our families do truly shape us and this is readily apparent in your life. Since you so kindly asked :), my opinion is please do continue to post about your Mom. Please post about the influence she continues to have on your life and the lives of your family and children. Please do share her creativity, her generosity, her kindness, her amazing love for her family. She is the kind of mom I want to be when I ‘grow up’. I am grateful to have divinely stumbled upon your blog over one year ago and being able to pray for you all through those difficult moments. I look forward to reading more. I look forward to meeting you, and your sweet Mom, on that ‘Great Getting Up Morning’, if not before. (BTW, thanks for asking. :-) )

  58. Traci I dont know how I missed this!
    Because you write about your Beloved Mom you encourage us in our faith in the Lord.
    Your Mothers life as we see encourages us in the Lord too! So as your Mother lived (and is
    still living) lived for the Lord she has Blessed us all! She really has. I find such strength in your
    Blog Traci. Mom points us to the Lord as you do..and we all so very much need to be
    encouraged in Him. Please dont ever stop writing about Mom. Ive never met her nor you
    but I Love you both Traci! xoxoxoxo

  59. Traci, Thank you for sharing your mom with us this past year. I love her now too and hope that my children and grandchildren will learn half as much as she taught you about life, family, happiness, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. 6 years ago, my mom died after a 10 month battle with cancer. Her illness and death broke my heart. Wednesdays with Wanda has lifted my spirits many times –your testimony of Jesus Christ and how we can trust God, even we we don’t understand Him has given me hope. I have cried with you, completely understood you, and even enjoyed the delicious recipes. You will know exactly what to do with your Wednesday post, because you have your Heavenly Father, and your wonderful, loving and faithful mother on your side. Sincerely, Glenda

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