Seasons of Motherhood with Jenn Gamache

 

I first met Jenn on the pathways at Trinity Western University. We did not know in our third-year university, we would become roommates and forge a deep and beautiful friendship that continues today! We were in similar programs and had many classes together. Education was our chosen career, and we spent countless hours studying, pulling together presentations, and running to class so we would not miss the 8:00 am door closing, which resulted in losing marks. Our adventures make me cry laughing, and my stomach hurt! We had many absolutely hilarious moments getting lost (no phones or GPS in those days!). We made our best attempts at camping, finding new places to get our hair done in Vancouver, locating chocolate buffets or house hunting from Ontario for our fourth year. I might add we scored in this area. We ended up with a side of a home fully furnished with a hot tub and pool we could use. One downside, we had to listen to our landlord’s favourite music at her loud level for more hours than I can count! Let’s say we learned a lot of Celine Dion songs that year! Last year Duncan and I visited B.C. and spent time with Jenn and her husband Jeff (he was also at TWU while I was there); we are so blessed by their friendship. Miles don’t matter! It makes the visits so beautiful! 

Jenn has a tender and hope-filled journey to share that has led her in ways only God can toward becoming a treasured and loving mother. She learned the importance of prayer from a very special lady. Today, Jenn will share a precious tribute to her mom, who taught her more about life through her trials and dependence on God. Thank you, Jenn, for sharing your heart with us today. I know it will be a wonderful blessing to so many! I am so grateful to welcome Jenn to the blog today!

The link to our conversation on my youtube channel

 

Jenn is a follower of Christ, a wife to Jeff for 27 years and a mom to three amazing adult children. Jenn and Jeff live on the west coast in beautiful in a red farmhouse they dreamed of and built together that happens to be on a Christmas tree farm! Jenn graduated from Trinity Western University and continued to the professional development program at Simon Fraser University. This completed her education so she could begin teaching various elementary grades and live out her passion for teaching the next generation. She enjoys the outdoors, reading and making memories together as a family.
     

 

 

♥

 

Today marks a decade since my mom finished her earthly race and ran through the ribbon into Heaven. Her race was not easy, yet she kept going, knowing that she would see Jesus in the end. As her body got weaker, her faith grew stronger. After over 30 years of living in a care home, confined to a wheelchair, deaf and legally blind after a disease destroyed her body, her one true hope was Jesus.

She spent her days memorizing scripture and praying. I can’t help but think many of her prayers for my family and me from back then have been answered. I am so grateful for those prayers. My mom adored her grandchildren; I know she’d be incredibly proud of them. If she was healthy today, I know she’d be cheering in the bleachers, growing vegetables in her garden, and making memories with the family. I know she’d think it was so wonderful that Abby decided to take up nursing, just like her, and I can hear them telling stories of their experiences. She would have watched my son marry his beautiful bride and meet me for lunch to discuss the details. She’d be preparing to come to Emma’s graduation this Spring and no doubt wanted to shop for new outfits.

I wish she were here. I wish she were healthy. I miss her.

     Now that I am a mother and can put myself in her shoes back then, a single mother with a terrible diagnosis trying her best to raise her daughter, my appreciation and admiration is so much more.

Mom, you were so strong and brave, you were selfless, and you did the absolute best you could. You have taught me through your example what persevering through suffering looks like, what joy can look like in the midst of pain, and what complete trust in Jesus and His sovereignty truly means.

If you were here today, you would say everything you endured was worth it, and I know you would keep pointing me to Jesus. What greater gift could a mother give?

Today as I remember my Mom, I am inspired and challenged by her, who, despite her circumstances, held this as her life verse:

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I say it again rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4)

#imissyou

 

 

 

 

 

Memories with Jenn’s Mom

 

 

 

2 responses to “Seasons of Motherhood with Jenn Gamache”

1. Such a rich communication of life and love in a lane of life hard to imagine for Jenn or her mother. Paths God’s providence one takes on like this something. He knows loves does with our best in His mind. Jenn and her mom walked in submission to God .what an example.

   Reply

   • Yes they did so so true!!!

     Reply