Sunday July 23th the day that the doctor warned me about, the day that my mother pasted from this life, to live eternally in the presence of Jesus. Mom had a bleeding ulcer that ruptured causing her death. Months earlier doctors discover this ulcer, advising surgery to correct the problem.
In spite of her Alzheimer effected mind, my mother made the decision not to have the surgery. I can still her her saying, "Linda, I`m 75 years old and I`m NOT going to have another surgery!" "Do I really want to correct this problem; only to be sitting in a corner going blag, blag, blag, blag...., not knowing what day it is , or where I am? Totaling depending on someone for my daily care!"
Mom was still lucid enough to realize the truth, yes the ulcer could be corrected but, the surgery would more than likely accelerate the progression of her Alzheimer`s. Lamentations 3:17 I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. (Co-ink-dink, mom died in room #317???)
After numerous agonizing conversations with family, doctors and nurses, together we finally agreed that mom would not have the surgery. She and my step-dad moved in with Rick and I and we were committed to make the best of our situation.
Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
After only 3 short months the inevitable happened; on a beautiful July day, the family of Mabel Frazer loving gathered around their dying mother. It was such a blessing from God for our entire family, brothers, sisters, spouse`s, grandchildren and great-grandchildren where at her bed side for that final farewell. Thank you, God!
The most astonished thing happened, mom was looking at each of us with eye to eye contact. I had missed the love in her eyes for years, she had lost this precious gift, to her disease. There were so many parts of her that had been robbed from each of us. She had slowly become a shell of the loving caring mother that we had known all of our lives. I missed and mourned her long before this day!
The hospital pastor joined us as we shared his reading of mom`s favorite, The 23rd Psalm, The Lord is my Shepperd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name`s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the day of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Mom`s lip gently moved as she tried to recited her favorite psalm.
With out a doubt this was the most difficult day of our lives, I tried to quickly exit the room, I could no longer hold back the overwhelming outburst of tears. My sister-in-law, Mary stopped me. No don`t go Mom wants you...with amazing strength mom sat up in bed, grabbed my hand, looked me in the eyes and said, "are you O.K.?"
What a precious gift. My mother was dying, but she wanted to know that I was O.K! Ten years later, as I reflect on this day, we truly witnessed Jesus Christ in that hospital room. No doubt, the room was filled with God`s angels reaching out to each of us! We had all witnessed unconditional LOVE. What a precious memory that opened the doors of my heart and mind to allow God`s prevenient grace to touch my life. God`s, grace, mercy, love and His son JESUS CHRIST are the ultimate gift each and every day of our lives.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
As Christians it is our privilege and responsibility to share the good news of JESUS CHRIST to all the world. Amen..................MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Amen indeed
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