"Feet First" Day 385

Matthew 15:29-30  Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee.  Then he went up on the mountain and sat down.  Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others and laid them at his feet; and He healed them.

Early morn on February 28th I received a call from my dear friend Rose, "Linda can you come right away, I`ve been sick and throwing up all night."  What we thought to be just a belly bug led us into a journey that would change my life and daily existence.   It took great persistence and pleading for Rose to allow us to call 911, what a stubborn little retired nurse! It was time for a visit to the hospital.  At the time, I believed a short visit for re- hydration, would soon allow Rose to return to her "home sweet home."

Rose was very determined to remain independent and dwell in the home that she had shared with her late beloved husband, Mike.   A lovely modest ranch home that sat amidst 30 some acres, that she and Mike had worked hard to pay for.  For over 50 years this was a home full of love, compassion, family and friendship!  I certainly couldn`t fault her for wanting to abide in the comfort of her own home.

I promised her that I would do whatever it took to help her to stay in her home; "Linda, I want to leave here feet first."  Alright, Rose I get it, who am I  to argue with an 89 year old head strong little Italian woman?    Job 29:4-6  Oh, for the day when I was in my prime, when God`s intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still  and my children(family and friends) were around me, when my path was drenched with cream and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.

On a rainy night on the extra day in February, Rose rolled out her front door " feet first" on a stretcher en route to Union hospital.  My niece Mandy and I followed the ambulance close behind; none of us where prepared for the next eleven days.  Rose truly believed that she soon return home!  At the time, I failed to question the definition of  "HOME."

As nieces, Karen, Paula and Nancy arrived  we share a roller coaster of highs and lows, praying that "God`s Will be done."  I was embraced as a sister as we endured the difficulties and pain that we witnessed for our beloved, Rose.  The love that Rose had shed for each of us opened our souls to one another.

During the week like many, I had the opportunity to express my love  to Rose and receive in return her smiles of love and compassion.   She knew that she was loved, with strength and dignity she told me not to cry; that was something that I couldn`t promise!  Psalms 23:4  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.

On Sunday morning March 11th, I was called to Union Hospital for a final farewell.  As I drove, I clenched my Emmaus cross, praying and begging God to allow me to arrive before He called her "HOME."  Help me Jesus, help me Jesus, help me Jesus, help me Jesus!   My heart was breaking, I was strenghtned by Jesus.....he may have been driving, Jesus take the wheel!  Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.

I joined Paula and Nancy at Rose`s bed side, God had answered my call, once again I whispered words of love and prayed for God to welcome her into her eternal home.  Approximately 10 minutes after my arrival, Rose peacefully went HOME!  Thank you, Jesus.....John 3:16  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Revelation 21:6  He said to me; "It is done, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  To him who is thirsty, I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life...............AMEN.


Father God, I thank you for Rose Violet Schiavone Pepiora, what a blessing to share nearly 40 years of love and friendship.  Thank you for answering prayers and for allowing me and many others to help Rose to stay in her home!  She was surrounded by a community of love.  She loved you so, she lived the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Rose was love, the hands and feet of Jesus.