Still Smiling

It usually doesn't take much to make mom laugh, however, these past two weeks, she just seems vacant. It's been such a challenge to bring a smile to her face. We have an old cane in the house so today I grabbed it and started walking all hunched over. Right away a broad smile came across her face. It's both encouraging and refreshing to see that she can still smile!

Today the hospice nurse, Louise, came to check on Mom. Each time she comes, she comments on the rapid decline of Mom's health. She checked mom's blood pressure and said it was low. Not uncommon for someone in her condition. A hospital bed was ordered as Mom is having difficulty walking and it will be easier to take care of her in the bed. Not much longer now.

It's so bittersweet. We've lost our mom little by little over these past 8 years. Caring for her during this time has only strengthened our love for her. When she passes away, some of you will be relieved for us that she is no longer a burden. It has been difficult, yet we will still grieve. We have no regrets. We will miss her.

Don't get me wrong, we are rejoicing with her as Mom will enter eternity. I don't say that lighty. One of the most vivid memories I have as a little girl was my mom's assurrance of faith. I would ask her if she knew for certain she would go to heaven. She always said, "I know that I will be in heaven someday because I've placed my complete trust in Jesus." How could she know? She did and it is her greatest wish that each one who reads this knows, not just "hopes" that he or she will go to heaven and live for eternity.