Tuesday, November 17, 2015



There are days, like today, when the sun is brightly shining, and the sky is bluer than
blue.  When the last of the colorful fall leaves, are falling softly from the almost barren
trees, and one can anticipate the cold weather that is right around the corner.  But, there
are times when, despite the gorgeous fall day that can been seen through each and every
window, there seems to be a fog over the thoughts of your own heart.  That is what it is
like for me during the last two weeks.  A fog has settled here.  Life as I knew it
is changing.  My dear Mother, who most of you know, lives in the lower level of our
home, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and is living out her last days
here in her home.  Hospice has become a good friend of our family.  They offer so much
comfort and care during her days of sickness and discomfort.  She tells me that she is
81 years old, and she is ready to go to heaven.  I know that.  I find it most comforting to
hear her tell me that, but, even so, it is difficult for me to come to grips with it all.  I have
so many questions in regards to what the next few weeks will look like for my family.
The fog is thick at times, preventing us from seeing even the next few steps.  Here is
what I read today, written by Sarah Young, in her book, "Jesus Calling";

"As you look at the day before you, you see a twisted, complicated path, with branches
going off in all directions.  You wonder how you can possibly find your way through
that maze.  Then you remember the One who is with you always, holding you by your
right hand."    So comforting and so reassuring this is to me.  God sees it all clearly,
and He will lead me through. 

So, with that in mind, we go on enjoying our last days with this very special lady, we
call Mother, Grandma, Great-Grandma.


This picture was taken yesterday, with our oldest daughter and her grandma. 

As I close this post, I know full well, that many of you have walked this journey before
me, or are walking it now, in your own life.  I could learn from you I am sure, since it
is a new path for me.

Thanks so much for your thoughts, your prayers, your emails, and your concern.  It sure
eases the burdens and makes the load lighter.

13 comments:

Carla said...

Even now, she is the picture of peace and joy. And dressed in her preferred pink! Please give my love to your dear mother, and know that our prayers for all of you remain constant. Love you!

Debbie said...

Oh my heart goes out to you....Yes, I walked this very difficult journey 2 and half years ago now and in many ways it seems like yesterday. My mother too was a little short of eighty one and was ready to meet the Lord as well. Don't honestly know if there are any words of wisdom from me as it seems to me as if you have it all just right. Just love her through her last season here on earth and lean heavily on Him to see you through. My sisters and I spent most of mom's last week together here at my house tending to her needs along with hospice. We played her favorite hymns where she could hear them playing softly in the background at all times and spent our time reminiscing about days and times gone by. My mom was unable to speak and may have had no knowledge as to what was going on and that did make it hard. Your mom being able to talk to you and TELL you how she is feeling both physically, emotionally and spiritually is a REAL blessing for you all. I will pray that you will walk gracefully through this season and that the Lord will comfort your hearts as only He can. HUGS!

Happy@Home said...

Oh Judy, my heart goes out to you and your family as you travel this road. I am so sorry to hear of your mother's illness. I feel like it wasn't too long ago you shared a photo of her in her kitchen and I marveled at her energy. I also remember you sharing her love of taking care of the birds around your home. Now when I see the birds feeding here at my house I will be reminded to pray for your mom.
I can only imagine what you are all facing right now, but I am sure that your mom is receiving great comfort in being at home surrounded by the love of her family.
Sending caring thoughts your way this morning.

jem60 said...

My heartfelt prayers to you and your family, I walked this path in August with my dad he was 82 and ready to go be with mom who was waiting for him. We also had Hospice a wonderful organization who lend an ear a shoulder and guidance they are Angels in disguise. Love her through it as there is a glorious new home awaiting her. Hugs and prayers to you all.

lindsey said...

Ah Judy, thank you for sharing your heart here so we can know how to be praying for you and your family. As you know I went through this very same journey two and a half years ago, it's not an easy journey but as you say with our Heavenly Father at our side and and close to your mother, the journey is barable . If you are interested, I have an article that I found on line just after my mother died, it would have been helpful to have it before but it certainly helped to read afterwards too. It is written by a hospice organisation. If you would like me to email it to you then just let me know. My email to use is lindsey.toms57@gmail.com
My prayers are for Gods peace and comfort for you and all you family

Unknown said...

Praying for you all.
Nicole Humphreys

Christine said...

Thank you for sharing your heart.
I pray you find peace and a little joy, at this time.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Sending hugs and prayers to you all. I have such sweet memories of meeting your mom and her kindness as she showed me her lovely home. Praying the Lord will walk you through each day of this difficult journey.
Love, Lorraine

Judy said...

Oh...my heart goes out to you! How life can change just like that. My prayer for you all as a family is that God will bring you much comfort and joy even as you walk this difficult path with your mother. May you treasure all the memories...including those you make now as your mother approaches the end of her life. Hugs to you, Judy!

Unknown said...

Praying for you and all your family, dearest Judy.
Love,
Linda

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Oh Judy, I am sorry to hear this sad news. There really aren't words at a time like this, but I'm so glad you have Sarah's readings ... they are so beautiful and strengthening for times just like this.

Sending heart hugs and wishes for the Comforter to draw you and your mom and all your family near to Himself. And for times of joy and laughter in the midst of it all to help ease the burden. We found it so when my dad walked a similar path. Brenda xox

Anneliese said...

Dear Judy, thank you for sharing this part of your journey thaf is still ahead of me. I can only imagine how hard it would be to see the one who has loved you and done all she ciould for you slip away. My mom is going to be 81 next month and what I fear is her mind slipping away with Alzheimer's. These diseases are so cruel! I pray you feel the Lord's presence in this valley and that the hope we have will strengthen you in these days ahead. Sending a hug!

corners of my life said...

No one is ever ready for this and I know you hearts a breaking.
It sounds like your mom is going to help you through it. Bless her heart.

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