GO!
Grateful for this home away from home that will in so many ways be hard to leave.
Grateful for staff who have become friends–no, family–who have kept watch and cared for her with such love and dignity.
Grateful for tender hands and compassionate hearts.
Grateful for Nick who has seen so many come and go and who has found a sweet spot in our hearts.
Grateful for shrimpfests and pizza parties and spiked coffee and a grasshopper on a blue sponge stick.
Grateful for Mother Mary Esther of the Order of Perpetual Birdwatchers.
Grateful for CENA Jackie who drove 20 miles on the day after Thanksgiving, her day off, to see Mom because she was on her mind.
Grateful for deer who “usually mean something”–but who she seems to keep sending away.
Grateful for laughter in the midst of sorrow.
Grateful for the coming together in the letting go.
Grateful for friends who even now wing their way from the Netherlands, leaving own family responsibilities behind.
Grateful for a wisdom-drenched God whose timing is perfect and whose love is amazing.
Grateful for the privilege not to watch her die, the one who birthed us into life, but to help birth her into a new life.
Grateful for those who co-labor with us and keep us pillowed in prayer.
STOP!
Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. ~Psalm 138:1-3 (Message)
Joining Lisa Jo and the Five Minute community.
Loving you my dear friend. Holding you in prayer as you hold her hand.
Praising God we know the end of this story.
LYI
So deeply beautiful, Sandra. Standing with you in prayer. My grandmother, whom I adored left this world for the next on this day, my birthday, five years ago. There was something very right about her birth into Heaven on my birthday — the blessing of you words: “Grateful for the privilege not to watch her die, the one who birthed us into life, but to help birth her into a new life.” — the words of my heart then and now. Love you, dear writing friend!
Grateful for the opportunity to pillow you in prayer as you wait for your Mom’s next chapter of life to begin.
LYI
Although I recall having a similar thought when my mother was dying, your very perfect words never occurred to me. Grateful for the privilege not to watch her die, the one who birthed us into life, but to help birth her into a new life.You are such a gift, Sandy… not just to your family right now, but to me, too. You reveal God to me day after day. Thank you. May he bless you and comfort you as you hold this vigil.
Sandra,
I’m deeply privileged, deeply humbled, to pray you and yours through this.
And I remember these feelings…a lot of them I couldn’t name at the time, but you’ve given them words.
That is an indescribable gift to me. Thank you.
Yes, it is birthing her into a new life. You sense it, don’t you?
Loving and pillowing you in prayer dear friend…God has shown His great love and goodness in every passing day. Thankful our hearts continue to hold yours…
LYI
May the expectation and beauty of eternal life outweigh the bereavement of worldly life. Such a touching five minutes. Praying!
Such a sweet privilege, a sacred trust to walk these steps with someone you love. I have sensed this each time I’ve had that privilege – that birth is happening. The process is like labor, in a way, isn’t it? Thinking of you, praying for you, waiting with you.
Grateful for the privilege not to watch her die, the one who birthed us into life, but to help birth her into a new life.
Yes… sometimes I wanted to take off my shoes as I approached my mom’s bed… it felt like such sacred ground. Fluffing your pillow with more prayers.
Beautiful words. What a testimony to the caring staff and the devotion of family and friends.