Mom’s Coronation Day

This past Saturday was set aside as a day for Laura and me to concentrate on prayer and so I didn’t check the computer until later in the afternoon. It was then that I learned that my mother had taken a very unexpected turn health-wise and was under hospice care. Since then I’ve had several Skype conversations with various members of my family and learned yesterday (Monday, March 3) morning that God had quietly and peacefully received her spirit to Himself sometime during the early morning hours (New Hampshire time). Because my passport was at Immigration waiting for the work permit to be stamped in it, I was unable to make any plans until yesterday when, in answer to prayer, our Business Manager was able to secure it and return it to me. I have a ticket to depart late tonight (Tuesday) and arrive in New Hampshire late Wednesday afternoon. Although there is sorrow and plenty of tears, there is deep rejoicing and thanksgiving that Mom is released from the dementia that robbed her these past years of true enjoyment of life and of those she loved so much. She’s received her “well done” welcome and is with her Lord whom she served so faithfully. Her funeral will be Saturday, March 8.

One of my sisters commented that you could hardly believe how prevalent the sense of peace has been throughout the final vigil. Sunday afternoon all who were there encircled Mom’s bed (praise God, thanks to Dad’s savings and kind faithful caregivers, both Dad and Mom have been able to remain in their home) and for several hours sang hymns together. Dad, in his wheelchair, holding Mom’s hand, joined them in raising his voice in praise to His Savior and Lord. Mom was quite alert during most of that time, her eyes wide open, which hadn’t been the case. One niece who was fairly near to Mom was fairly sure that Mom actually hummed along now and then. One sister described it as a sacred time as various ones expressed their appreciation and love for her.

Of course, I would love to have been there with the siblings that made it home in time (two of my brothers live close by and three sisters arrived on Saturday). However, God granted me, via Skype, an opportunity to once again thank my Mom for being so faithful, tell her I loved her, and to say “farewell” until we meet again on the other side. My sisters told me she opened her eyes fairly wide, breathed deeper than normal, and seemed to be searching the room as I spoke—I take that as a gift from the Lord that perhaps she recognized my voice and comprehended what I was trying to say.

I will stay with my Dad for about three weeks before returning here to Uganda. After 62+ years of marriage to a faithful and committed wife, the gap she leaves is immense. Even though for the past while, she hasn’t been able to communicate verbally or through body language, at least she sat beside him each day and willingly allowed him to hold her hand…but now she’s gone. Dad earnestly longs to also depart from his frail body and mind and be with the Lord, but in God’s sovereignty, He chose to take Mom first. As you think of it, please pray for him during these difficult days of adjustment.

Perhaps in another blog, I’ll share some special memories of my dear Mom…and there are many. But for now, we’ll rejoice that she experienced no pain, no suffering, no turmoil of any kind as she walked through the valley of death and that she is now totally and freely enjoying life with her Savior Whom she loved and served so faithfully. What more can we ask for?