Isaiah 33:2 O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of darkness.
The family was making plans to bring their mother from from the rehab center, when a unexpected high fever sent them back to the hospital, instead. The time that they would have with their 83 year old mother had reduced from months, to just hours. Six siblings and scores of grandchildren gathered at the bedside to bid farewell to their mother and grandma.
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thought than your thoughts."
Fifty years ago, Mary and John Foley moved their young family of six children, yes they were a good Catholic family, from Long Island, New York, to Cecil County, Maryland. I admired the strength and courage it must have taken to leave friend and family to make the bold move. This young city couple bought a farm, an incredible investment that would provide income for decades to come.
What a blessing, our family of five children would now have neighbors just up the road with six kids. Mariann, Jackie, Ginger, Richard, Billy and Donald, a new city slicker friend for each of us and one to spare. Our families soon formed bonds of love and friendship that would last a lifetime.
While Mary was pregnant with their seventh child, the unthinkable happened, 42 year John suffered a fatal heart attack and died in the bedroom of their farm home. The father-less family returned to New York to lay John to rest. I was fearful that I would never see my new best-friend Ginger again. However, Mary brought her family back to Maryland. The farm, a savvy purchase that would allow John to provide for his family, even in his absence! Thank you, God.
Mary and my mom were like sisters, our family's supported and loved one another through life and premature death of brothers, Robin and Billy. Billy died in his early forties, from a fatal heart attack, just like his father! What a true blessing from God, two country families sharing life one day at a time for over 5 decades, and beyond! Thank you, Father God!
John 15:12-13 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Monday morning at 8:30am Rick and I will join family and friends to bid farewell to one of the most incredible,loving and caring Mothers that I have even know. A mother of great faith, compassion and love that kept her family of seven children together on the farm! There was always room and love in Mary`s heart and home for one more; their house was a second home to me.
Eventhough Mary, married and buried two husbands after her beloved John, to me she was always Mary Foley, the mother of my "Best Friend Forever, " Ginger!
Genesis 45:10-11 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me---you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds and all you have. I will provide for you there....................
As I finish writing this, the song "I Can Only Imagine," is playing on the radio! What impeccable timing! Thank you God, yes I can type through tears.... I pray that the siblings and their significant others, of Mary and John Foley will live in love, peace and unity with one another! Never losing sight of the family over stuff and money! God Bless the entire FOLEY FAMILY, AMEN!
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