Saying Goodbye to Mother the Final Hours
Mother celebrated her last birthday by staring over and over again at the huge stack of cards on her table. I wondered if she recognized any of the names. Or did she realize it was her 90th birthday? I took comfort in watching her smile as she carefully handled each one, knowing they brought blessing and pleasure to her for the moment.
Soon, too soon, she would again be taken to ICU and from there to a skilled nursing facility. Having the positive assurance of heaven made our expected parting so much easier. This reassurance was repeated several times before she actually went home. “Mommy, I’ll keep you forever if you want me to; but, I’ll let you go be with Jesus when you are ready.”
Holding her hands in ICU, I would sing old familiar hymns to her. Although she had not been able to verbally communicate in months, a few stanzas of “Rock of Ages” would spur her to “hum” along with me. Her hums and my singing left much to be desired to the outside world but I knew in my heart that our Father in heaven was honored and my precious mother was comforted. Amazingly, this girl that never sings in public could not have cared less who heard our duet.
Days later, in the skilled care nursing home, I caress her tiny, cold hand and recall all the work those hands have done in ninety years; good work and honorable. I think of all the care she’s given to others. I think how much those who didn’t get to know her have missed. I want her to go on home, but I miss her so much already.
At 6:40 God answered my prayer and Mother peacefully went to sleep. No more pain. I was blessed to be there holding her hand and singing to her: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.” Thank you, Jesus.
My prayer for you today is that those in your care are ready to go home; that they know Jesus personally. I pray that you have that assurance for yourself. What joy to know where Mother is; I look forward to seeing her again someday.
Today’s article is from pages in my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD, and available through my store .
Hugs,
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Our mother went to be with the Lord in a similar fashion. We had her at my sister Pats home. Mom had 3 weeks to live when she finally went to see the doctor. My sister played lovely soft Christian music. Mom was in a hospital bed in the living room with a beautiful Christmas Tree in front of her. She died Dec 4 about 4 years ago. We 4 children loved her into the hands of Jesus. Dad was already passed and waiting on the other side with two grand daughters. They were married 63 years had 7 grand children 13 great-grands and 2 great greats now 3. our last name was Slade and my great niece named her son Slade. I was so amazed by that. They are buried in Novato next to there 2 grand daughters one Debra killed in a car accident and Diana jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge. Both my brothers girls. All saved and with Jesus.So comforting.
Carolyn,
Thank you for sharing. What a beautiful testimony to your mother. We will always miss our mothers but there is such peace with that kind of home-going. I treasure those memories.
“Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness!”
Blessings to you and thanks so much.
Hugs,
Susie