Tuesday
Hello again,
First off, I just wanted to make sure that when I wrote yesterday to spend time with or make up with family friends and loved ones, that wasn’t pointed at anyone in particular:-)
Today has been a little more difficult. Mom has not really recognized or opened her eyes for any extended period of time today.
Dad is having a hard time watching her. He was looking at her today holdingher hand, and he started crying, saying, “I used to paint these nails.”.
Then dad got up and got her polish etc, and gave mom a really nice new manicure.
We all try and lay down by mom whenever we can. When it is my turn, I try and talk to her an reassure her that so many of her friends and relatives are waiting to greet her in heaven. I thought to myself that St Peter might want to get some extra angels to handle crowd control:-)
We all gathered around mom at one point today and told her that it was ok for her to let go. That we would all be ok and that God was waiting for her with open arms.
Some of mom and dads longest and oldest friends (Berbas) dropped by today with dinner and breakfast for tomorrow, and yesterday one of the neighbors dropped by with a bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries.
Again, thank you for all of your kind emails, as well as text messages and voice mails. We are humbled and so thankful for all of you lifting us up in prayer.
Love, Michael and family
Dear Michael and family
You are in our hearts and prayers as you care for your Mother and wife.
Know that there are many who you do not know, who are holding your family in prayer. As hard as this is for you, it truly is a gift, to be able to be alongside your Mom/wife as she takes this final journey to God. I hope all the love, strength and concern we have for you, will help you when you are most troubled and sad.
Before my own Mom passed away, I gave her this verse. I wanted to share it with you now as I know how much her children love her and if you could, I think you would have written the same words. Now, maybe you can read them to her and tell her one more time how special she is in your lives.
LETTER TO MY MOTHER
Thank you for all your wise and careful instructions,
When my feet were small,
You lovingly set them upon the right path.
Thank you for all the times you comforted me.
When I was hurt or afraid,
you listened to how I felt.
And as I grew,
You showed me beauty when I was broken,
Brought me gladdness when I was sad,
Praised and encouraged me when all seemed lost.
Thank you for your secret prayers for me.
You’ve been my best friend here on earth.
And if God hadn’t picked you to be my Mother,
I would have picked you anyway.”
God Bless you. Marian Swanson