My mother’s greatest adventure is just beginning.
My Mom
is 71
years old. She has had cancer for many years, and is succumbing fast. A
few months ago we thought we had several more Christmases with her; a
few weeks ago we were hoping she would make it to this Christmas. She
is nearing the end of
her life here in the “shadowlands.” Her new life, her life without sin,
tears, or pain is about to begin. Her life where she will be reunited
with her parents, her brother, and my Dad. Her life where she will be
with Jesus face to face forever.
She will miss being a grandma and
a great-grandma here; the children are her strongest tie to the
shadowlands. But she will still be a grandma in her new life. She will
meet my son, Matthew, before I will. Give him a message for me, Mom.
Tell him I love him and look forward to the day I will meet him too.
Not too soon, but one day, at the right time, we will all be together
forever.
Yesterday was my last Christmas with my Mom, on
this side of heaven. I couldn’t stop thinking about other Christmases
spent with her. The years my brother and I, my partner in crime, would
sneak out of our rooms in the middle of the night to peek in stockings
and try to see what Santa had brought. The year my grandparents came
for Christmas, and I got to sleep on the couch by the Christmas tree so
they could have my room. My brothers were so jealous! I was solemnly
charged to be the Christmas Eve watcher for Santa that year, and failed miserably. One minute I was
resolved as steel to stay awake the whole night to catch a glimpse of him; the next it was 5 am and my brother was shaking me, demanding, “Well? Well? Did you see him?”
I
remember the
year she taught me to make Christmas cookies with her. The year she
gave me my first set of Lord of the Rings books. The year she gave me
my great-grandma’s victorian silver necklace, and entrusted me with my
first family heirloom.The year I worked for months on a hand-painted calender for her.
The year she
gave me a hand-made afghan. The year she gave me luggage. I was 21 and
had just been engaged to my sweet dh, and she knew that would be my
last Christmas at home. It must have been a bittersweet Christmas for
her … just as this Christmas was.
I have so many
wonderful memories of my mother to cherish. It will be hardest for us,
the left-behind. She will be living her new life outstide of space and
time, and it may only seem like a few hours have passed to her before
we come to join her. It is we who will have to endure the waiting. But
not without hope — not without hope. We will celebrate many more
Christmases together, Mom – with no sickness to mar them. And with the
Prince of Peace Himself, presiding! I cherish this Christmas … and I look
forward to our next Christmas together.
rosehillranch says
….that the Lord is especially close to you at this time. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Love, Jeani
Anonymous says
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. I’m glad you are secure in the knowledge of your eternal life with her. It will make her passing easier.
Perri
http://lottakids1961.blogspot.com/
Melkhi says
memories of your Mother. I’m sorry about the separation you will be experiencing, but thankful that you and your Mother have the hope of the resurrection and eternal life. The gift that your sister-in-law gave you is priceless and a wonderful treasure.
Anonymous says
Your little perspective is the right perspective, Christine…HIS perspective of our birthing into life eternal….the greatest adventure.
I need to hold on to this truth. Thank you.
Ann V. HolyExperience