October 19, 2010
I came over a little before three, and Rich left soon after to do work and go to a meeting. So it was just Mom and me.
I summarized my thoughts on finishing strong. She said “Yes” emphatically.
I asked her if she could look back and see God’s purpose in her life. I know now, in the thick of it all, it’s hard to tell. And I wondered if at the end, it might be clearer. She said it wasn’t.
But I told her she did God’s will everytime she cared for a homeless person. Which she did regularly by volunteering at a shelter. I reminded her of the verse that confirmed she was serving Jesus by serving the least of these. She nodded. I told her she was a good and faithful servant.
I talked a little about heaven.
I told her Olivia has had her first communion. That she understands that Jesus died for her sins. That she accepts His gift. That we’ll see her in heaven for sure one day.
She said, “Wonderful, wonderful…”
And I started singing Wonderful Merciful Savior. But I didn’t know all the words. She told me to “look them up!” So I did.
When I was done with that hymn, she told me to find another. So I did.
We sang (Well, it was mostly me…) for about two hours. It Is Well. Amazing Grace, Come Thou Fount, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross. The favorite was It Is Well. And Jesus Loves The Little Children. She kept starting that one, I think because she knew all the words to it. 🙂
It was such a nice change from the silence she usually requested.
It must have worn her out, all that singing. At about 5, she asked to go to bed. And she slept for three hours.
She woke up just as I was leaving, and I helped Rich get her ready for bed.
Thank you, God, for such a good, good night.
Oh Beth, this made me cry. You’re an awesome daughter. I’m sure your presence means so much to your mom right now. I’m glad Jesus is giving you this time to serve and minister to her.
made me cry too. Thought it was my pregnancy hormones, guess not. 🙂 I loke you so much, I’m so glad God is giving you this time to spend with her, you are a great, great daughter! I loke you!!
I’m so glad you had that special time together and that she was able to sleep so well after that! I’m praying for you and your family!
I sit here bawling as I read this… What a special time. So good that you are writing this stuff down – it will be precious to you over the years.
Praise the Lord for a good night… I hope she has a good day today… us being a bit “before” you in time (Australian West Coast) I had the urgent thought to pray for her this morning, which I did… Keep standing strong for her… we’ll hold your “arms” up in prayer.
Thanks for sharing this. I praise God with you for answering our prayers for peace for you, your mom, and your other family members through this difficult time. Still praying . . .