Mom's journey - A new beginning

Today we said goodbye to mom as she took the hand of Jesus and went home. It is all still so surreal - it does not seem possible. Just 3 weeks ago she was out driving around, and now she's gone. It's just so hard to get this to compute in my head and heart.

On Monday Terry and I were with mom and felt that she had some sort of episode, we now think that was a small stroke. Her speech was slurred, her mouth appeared crooked. On Tuesday, Mom was very agitated and still not quieted down. The days of this week have blended together. Others came to pray with mom and visit - like Zeb, Kristi & Mike and Alisa on another day. Mom never went without love and care.

We knew what the DR's said, but we just prayed God's will - either heal her or take her home quickly and not suffer. They said 6-8 months, God said it was time to come home. Knowing that mom was in peace is the only reason I can even be sitting here sharing this. I've had some "melt-downs" and I'm sure more will come, but ultimately deep in my heart is the peace that only comes from His Holy Spirit.

The rest of the week is a little bit blurry. We continued to watch mom go thru changes, but we are so very grateful for every moment that we had with her. You just can't get that time back. I have no regrets now, knowing that I had spent every possible moment with her that I could. I am so blessed to have a job that allowed me this time (though I must admit, I would have taken it whether they allowed it or not!)

Death is not pretty - the events and dealings with it all are painful. There is no refuting it. But the memories that are brought to mind, the laughter over fun times, tears through others - THAT is life. Mom had a full life and now it is time to celebrate her. The fact she had a personal relationship with Jesus is the greatest reason of all to celebrate.

Thank you mom for teaching us about the love of Jesus. For choosing to be our mother - hanging in there when you wanted to run from your 5 kids!! It has been a wild, eventful and full life. I hope you're up there doing the jitterbug with dad, sitting at the feet of Jesus and singing His praises. We'll join you one day mom....as the commercial says..."...Keep the lights on for us!" I love you...