Our beloved mom left this earthly home on Thursday evening. All 4 of us, Matt, Jenn, dad and I, were gathered around her bedside when she took her last breath. The hours before she passed, we were able to sit with her throughout the day. Because the hospice nurse shared with us that patients near the end of life, although nonresponsive, can still hear and feel, I put one of my earbuds in her ear and played music filled with God’s promises. He Will Hold Me Fast, I Want the Healer, It is Well with My Soul, Closing the Distance, etc. were all songs that reminded her over and over of God’s love for her and the assurance of her future home in Heaven.

It was a long 14 years of suffering. She fought the battle well. I am confident that she is whole, free, and not thinking about anything she left behind because she is in a far better and Glorious Place now. She is in Heaven where this is no pain, no tears, no suffering. The day before she passed, she wasn’t able to communicate clearly. However, Jenn and I both heard her say, “home.” We believe she was saying she was ready to go home. At last, she is there.

So many people have faithfully prayed for mom and our family over the years since her accident. Those people were like Aaron and Hur going to the top of the hill with us and holding up our hands when we grew weary (Exodus 17). A simple thank you seems inadequate, but appropriate. Thank you.

Our mom was spectacular. She loved us well. She was gentle and kind. Her heart was big. She was the glue that held our family together. She made sure that our family sat down at the dinner table on a regular basis and enjoyed not only her good cooking, but family time together. She baked wonderful treats and desserts and developed in us all an obnoxious sweet tooth. She took care of us in such a way that we never doubted her love for us. We are fortunate and forever grateful for the impact she had on our lives. We mourn her absence but rejoice that her body is healed, and her soul is with the Healer in Heaven.