We had to say another "good-bye for now" last night. I would think that by now I would be getting better at it.... There have been so many "good-byes" in the past couple of years. Each one has had a profound effect on my life...who I am and what I do.
Last night a very dear family said their good-byes to their mother. This is a very close knit family; six girls and three boys (one of whom has already gone ahead). Their mom, a godly lady of 84 years of age, was preparing for an evening out with family just three days ago.... Upon their arrival to gather her up for their outing, they found her sitting in her chair, motionless, having just experienced a massive stroke. Unable to move or talk, she now appeared to be sleeping... Off to the hospital, only to be told the next morning that "all that we know to do has been done". They return home with "mom" so she could spend her last moments on earth at her own home and in her own bed. The next day, Sunday (last night), with family around her, she took her last breath here and her first breathe "there"! What a "home coming".....
Now, those who have been left behind (for now) are grieving.....life will be different now...for them, and for me..... I'll miss those wonderful hugs that she so willingly gives as we great one another on Sunday Mornings...... Her joyful smile.....her compassion....her love for our Savior.....
This whole experience speaks volumes to me..... we truly "never" do know when that last time will come when we are able to tell our loved ones that we love them...
It really is all about relationships.....there are so many families that have unresolved issues....some petty, some larger, but still, I have to ask myself this question: "What is so important that it can keep a mother and her daughter from enjoying the relationship they once embraced?"
With that said, may I challenge those of you who read this blog, to be sure to settle all differences now....before it's too late.... The Bible tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger...(Ephesians 4:26). There is a reason for that.....and it all comes back to relationships.....
What condition is your relationship with your family in today? And, what can you do to make it better....
Last night a very dear family said their good-byes to their mother. This is a very close knit family; six girls and three boys (one of whom has already gone ahead). Their mom, a godly lady of 84 years of age, was preparing for an evening out with family just three days ago.... Upon their arrival to gather her up for their outing, they found her sitting in her chair, motionless, having just experienced a massive stroke. Unable to move or talk, she now appeared to be sleeping... Off to the hospital, only to be told the next morning that "all that we know to do has been done". They return home with "mom" so she could spend her last moments on earth at her own home and in her own bed. The next day, Sunday (last night), with family around her, she took her last breath here and her first breathe "there"! What a "home coming".....
Now, those who have been left behind (for now) are grieving.....life will be different now...for them, and for me..... I'll miss those wonderful hugs that she so willingly gives as we great one another on Sunday Mornings...... Her joyful smile.....her compassion....her love for our Savior.....
This whole experience speaks volumes to me..... we truly "never" do know when that last time will come when we are able to tell our loved ones that we love them...
It really is all about relationships.....there are so many families that have unresolved issues....some petty, some larger, but still, I have to ask myself this question: "What is so important that it can keep a mother and her daughter from enjoying the relationship they once embraced?"
With that said, may I challenge those of you who read this blog, to be sure to settle all differences now....before it's too late.... The Bible tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger...(Ephesians 4:26). There is a reason for that.....and it all comes back to relationships.....
What condition is your relationship with your family in today? And, what can you do to make it better....
Just My Thoughts.....
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