How I remember that Sunday afternoon, 52 hours prior to her passing, when the Hospice nurse told me that death was "imminent." I was the only one in her apartment, as my step dad was taking a nap down the hall.
Imminent (in this context) was a foreign term to me so I asked the sweet nurse to explain. She told me that my Mom was slipping away, her vital functions shutting down. It would just be days or even hours before she left.
Even now, after three years, it is impossible to type these words without tears flowing done my cheeks.
For me, April 1st will never be a day for goofy jokes again. Oh, I used to love a funny prank, just ask Hubby about the coffee creamer that poured out of the container a lovely green color!
But now, this is a day to honor my Mom's memory, to reach out to loved ones and reflect on the 75 years she spent on this earth. I can no longer make a quick trip to the cemetery to leave a rose on her grave, but I can pause and give thanks for the treasure of family. I'm so grateful for the love GOD enables us to experience in such frail vessels.
Here is the African Violet that Hubby purchased for me on the first anniversary of Mom's passing. She always had African Violets in her window!
It's doing rather well, don't you think?
Blessings to you and yours!
Hug each other a little tighter tonight!
I pray for God's comfort and grace for you this day. I know it is still hard. What a beautiful memory of her!
ReplyDeleteHi Jess,
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet and thoughtful gift that was from
Tony! as well, as a nice remembrance of your Mom.
Isn't just the greatest knowing we have not lost our loved ones forever, but just for a Season!
Hope you are survived the day well with lots of great memories.
Blessings, Nellie
Jess, beautiful post! We will always have in common the nearness of the dates of losing a parent the same year. April 1, 2008, your mom, March 27, 2008, my dad. Someone told me the pain never goes away completely, but becomes a little "softer". I have found that to be true, have you?
ReplyDelete