My dear friends ~
Just a few lines to let you know that I will be pretty much unplugged for the foreseeable future. You guys know how much I love blogging and doing life in community with you. But right now, my truest desire is to be as fully present with my mom as I can possibly be in this final chapter of her life ... and be completely available to the family who so deeply adore her.
I know you understand.
I've been navigating this anticipatory grief one day at a time for years now. It's like a rollercoaster ride that just won't quit.
Yet more than ever, I believe that our God is incredibly faithful, His heart is kind, and His timing is trustworthy. In the midst of the uncertainty, heartbreak, and weariness that have been our constant companions for far too long, He's generously given overflowing portions of joy, hope, and peace.
Thank you for your compassionate words in recent weeks. If you'd pray for Mom, our extended family, and the healthcare team who tenderly watch over her, we'd be so grateful.
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.
Linda
Thou art my God,
My times are in Thy hand.
Psalm 31:14-15
*
so you'll be the first to know
when we're up and running again.
The e-book deal page continues to
await your quick 30 second visits.
I've found keeping it updated
to be very good therapy!
I pray you will know the peace and strength which only He can give as you walk through this final journey with your mom. May you find shelter in the shadow of His wings (Ps.91:4)
ReplyDeleteBill, thank you, friend. The Psalmist must have known that we would find comfort in those beautiful word pictures he painted so well.
DeleteIt's a hard journey, yet filled with God's presence and grace. A verse that helped me in my mom's passing: "Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word to Your servant" (Psalm 119:76).
ReplyDelete'Merciful kindness!' What grace.
DeleteThanks for sharing this verse, Barbara.
Yes, a challenging journey but one we can be certain that we are not alone. May you know the presence of God with you each step. I deeply believe your mom already knows his presence and pray His peace will comfort your family.
ReplyDeleteDebby, yes, she does. What a consolation. Thanks for reminding me of where she truly is ...
DeletePraying to God. He loved her into existence and His angels will welcome her home. I pray your family finds comfort in Familial love. Gail
ReplyDeleteThat picture of His angels welcoming her home is bringing a smile to my lips, Gail. Thanks for that gift this morning.
DeleteI understand completely. Today is the anniversary of my mom's death and I will not regret for one half a second the time I spent with her as she was making her transition. You have important soul work to do now for your mom and for yourself. Sending love and wishes for peace during this challenging time.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, thinking of you as you mark this anniversary. So many mixed emotions. And these words, right here, are such an encouragement -->'I will not regret for one half a second the time I spent with her as she was making her transition. You have important soul work to do now for your mom and for yourself.'
DeleteIt's like the benediction I need this week.
My love and prayers are with you very much in these days, Linda. May your mom know the calm presence of the Lord deep in her soul in these hours and days. May you know His deep love and strength and peace as you are present with her.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I love you.
Deletexo
Praying for you and yours, Linda. Believe me, I know the heartbreak of losing parents all too well. May God grant you strength and comfort at this time.
ReplyDeleteMartha, thank you so much ...
DeleteDear Linda,
ReplyDeleteThese days in which our loved ones transition to their heavenly homes are never easy. I will be praying for Mom, for you, for family, and for all those tending to her care. May the Lord fill each one of you with His peace, comfort,and strength.
In His Love,
* subscriber email
That 'transition' word is a helpful reminder that this world is not our home and this short span of time is nothing in the light of eternity.
DeleteThank you for that.
You are wise, and you are in my prayers
ReplyDelete*subscriber email
I appreciate that affirmation. I'm blessed that I can stop the world and sit quietly. Not everyone gets that opportunity.
DeleteBest decision you could make!! This May will be 5 years since my mom passed and I put the whole world on hold to spend time with her (especially the last 2 weeks) and my family. You are going to look back on this time without regret and with a sense of peace and comfort that is immeasurable. Drink up every moment that you can!! Sending prayers............
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe it's been 5 years, Val.
DeleteI know you've been here, too, and your words fuel me for today ... and for the days ahead. Amen to 'no regrets.' Absolutely.
We will miss your insight and wisdom, Linda, but know that the work you're doing now is much more important. I pray you'll sense more than ever God's sustaining power, comfort, and blessing during this arduous time.
ReplyDeleteArduous.
DeleteYeah, that would describe it. Thanks for putting a word to all this. I'm kind of short on them right now, friend.
Best use of your time and love, Praying for you!!!
ReplyDeleteJean, thanks.
DeleteI had that 4 Somethings all ready to go but let it sit there for another time. My heart wasn't in it, ya' know ...
You will be missed, but being with your mom is the most important. Being with her is an honor. Take all the time you need and we will be here when you return. Praying for your mom, you, family and all who take care of her.
ReplyDeleteAn honor, yes, Pam. It's a privilege and I'm glad you reminded me of this truth. Your prayers mean the world.
DeleteI know we must continue praise
ReplyDeletethrough times of sad slow songs,
when it's for golden yesterdays
that the wrecked heart longs,
when we ran beneath the sun,
hair awhirl and fancy free,
never seeing days to come
when, unwilling, we would be
bound, constrained, and forced to go
'long roads not of our choosing,
but on these paths we come to know
that truly, death's not losing,
but victory that's shining bright,
that brings eternal day from night.
' death's not losing,
Deletebut victory that's shining bright'
Uh, yeah. That's absolutely it, Andrew.
Victory in Jesus.
Prayers and love surround you, your precious mother, and all who love here. This will likely be one of the most powerful and grace-filled experiences of your life. Being present in every moment is something you will never regret and time she will treasure. Blessings on you all. We'll be waiting right here, on the porch you've built, gathered in prayer. In love, Barbara
ReplyDeleteWhen she wakes for those 30 seconds or so, her eyes immediately look for someone or something familiar. She smiles a bit and then falls right back to sleep.
DeleteEvery time that happens, my heart warms and I know all will be well.
And this? 'We'll be waiting right here, on the porch you've built, gathered in prayer.' Thank you. Wow, a real gift this morning, Barbara.
Love you friend and I will be praying for you. We will miss you but we understand wanting to be with your precious mom as she is ushered in to meet Jesus.
ReplyDeleteRegina, thank you.
DeleteOh Linda … my heart is with you, dear friend. ♥️
ReplyDeleteYes, you know what this is all about.
Deletexo
What a blessing that will be for your mom, Linda. Your comment to Barbara touches my heart - "When she wakes for those 30 seconds or so, her eyes immediately look for someone or something familiar. She smiles a bit and then falls right back to sleep." May God give you and your family grace and strength for whatever lies ahead. Love and hugs to you and your mom!
ReplyDelete'for whatever lies ahead'
DeleteSo true, Trudy. Whenever we think we have this all figured out we realize we don't even have a clue.
I'm glad He's got this. There's the comfort.
Although there is sadness, may these times with your mom be precious ones. Hugs!
ReplyDeletePrecious, yes. Such a good reminder, Lynn. Absolutely true.
DeleteI will miss you, Linda, but I absolutely understand you wanting to focus on your mom and being there for the family right now. Praying for you all and sending lots of love.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that love, friend ...
DeleteOh, sweet friend! How well I understand this path you now walk! My heart goes out to you in so many ways! May Jesus hold you extra close. It is SO precious that you are spending as much time as possible with her. Sending so much love and compassion your way. Please always know that I am here for you, and if you need to talk, please call me. God bless you and keep you.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, your prayers are being answered, yes, Jesus is holding us close to Himself and there is a deep peace0 in the middle of this roller coaster experience.
DeleteYes, praying for you and all those who are caring for your mom in this stage of her journey. What a treasure you are to devote your attention on her. Such a beautiful daughter!
ReplyDeleteWhenever I get weary, I think of all those hours she devoted to me along the way.
DeleteAnd please know, I continue to pray for you, friend. You're not far from my mind ...
Praying for you dear Linda! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteCindy, thanks, lovely lady ...
DeleteWe will certainly miss your insight and wisdom, Linda but we totally understand the situation and we are walking with you on this journey.
ReplyDeletePrayers, hugs and blessings.
I'm scooping up those prayers, hugs, and blessings, Veronica.
DeleteDear Linda,
ReplyDeleteMy mother uses this phrase during times of crisis or transition, "Time to circle the wagons." I am praying for your mother, you, and your family as you circle the wagons. You are on hallowed ground.
My husband has worked many years as a hospice and hospital chaplain. He came across "Four Things to Say to Your Dying Loved One" years ago and has found it helpful for those who are companioning their loved one; these things can be verbally shared or shared in your heart...
1. I love you.
2. Please forgive me. I forgive you.
3. Thank you.
4. Goodbye.
When I read your comment about your Mom looking for something familiar when she awakens my heart tightened with compassion. She is also saying goodbye to all she's known. Grief is not only for the living, it is for the dying.
Please take care of yourself. Warmly, Carla
Carla, this was such an encouragement as we drove in to see Mom this morning. Your image of circling the wagons is apt, and I appreciated those 4 things. Thanks for the reminder that Mom is saying good-bye to what she has known. That was so helpful to me. Yes, the dying grieve.
DeleteI've learned so much during these months. And I thought I was some kind of expert on grieving well.
God just shakes His blessed head and smiles at such foolishness.
It is so difficult to watch them go, even when we know the hope of Christ. Praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thanks for that prayer support, Lulu ...
DeleteMy heart aches for you Linda, and you and your family will continue to be in my prayers. There is never an easy way to walk the path of grief, but so thankful for the Lord's heart working in the midst of this emotional rollercoaster journey you are on. May the sweet peace and presence of the Lord be with you throughout this transition journey between life into everlasting life. Blessings to you dear friend!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, what you're saying has become truer with each passing day - the sweet peace and the Lord's presence has become the air I breathe. I find that Mom isn't the only one transitioning. I'm grateful He doesn't leave us on our own to navigate this pathway of grief.
DeleteThanks for your kind and true words.
Praying for you, your Mom, and your family, Linda!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for that kindness. This journey is taking more twists and turns than I expected. Literally.
Delete