The holidays have left me with mixed emotions this year. I know that I have to get them over with. They say the first of everything is the hardest so I am ready to get to it and get past them. Everyone is in the hustle and bustle of meal planning, gift buying, house decorating and I just sit numb to it all. I hear that it never gets better...but easier with time. I want to be back to normal and be in that buzz with everyone else... at this point I do not know if I will ever look at them the same again. It just seem so small in comparison to what is really important. Having the color coordinated cups, napkins, and place mats...it just doesn't seem to matter right now.
We were on the way to church when we got the call from my step-father. Mom was being taken to the hospital by ambulance. They think she had a stroke. Rhett and I made it there in 2 hours. She had a major stroke and she was paralyzed on her left side. I spent the next 10 days in that hospital with my Mom, step-father, sister, and step-sister and many others that came daily. My Mom was a trooper. She was polite to every person who came into her room. She thanked the nurses who gave her shots, she thanked the cleaning lady who changed the trash and swept the floor. That was how my Mom was, how she raised us.
She was a hard working woman. She worked for 38 years at the same plant. She worked 2nd jobs throughout the years. She had just retired this year. It was her time to have some rest and relaxation.
Funny how God changes the plans "we" make.
The 10 days in the hospital with Mom taught me so many things. Someone had posted on my facebook about her showing us her last lesson in life. That was so true !! She was in pain from her brain swelling and yet she took the time to praise God with each opportunity she was given. She was in pain and she still managed to be kind. She was very loving through it all.
On Tuesday we got the news that her brain was swelling and things were not looking good. Mom told us there would be no crying. My Mom knew it was in Gods hands... that there would be no more suffering and she would be dancing in heaven.
On Wednesday we got better news ..there was minimal swelling. That day she got to sit up in a chair. They said if she could sit for 30 minutes that would be great. Remember when I said my Mom was a trooper ?? My Mom sat in that chair for over 8 hours !!! That night the room was filled with some of her grandkids and friends and more family. Rhett and the boys got to come from Bolivar to see her. Mom got to visit with each one of them.
On Thursday we got more bad news. The brain was still swelling, she was not as responsive. We went from high to low in less than 24 hours. That day my Mom still continued to praise God with her hand in the air every time we played her favorite praise music in the room.
She continued to bless us and show us what was most important.
Mom passed away peacefully September 26th. My sister Shannon and I were both by her side as she took her last breath. I am so sad she is gone. You never think it will happen to you. I miss her so much. I am also so thankful. The 10 days I got to spend loving on my Mom with my family are priceless and I would not take them back. She was an awesome example. If you ask me, she left this life way too early. However, in the short amount of time she was here she touched so many. The lady that cleaned her room each day at the hospital attended the funeral and cried with us. She had only known her from the visit in the hospital.
What a testimony. How many people do we have the opportunity to touch each day?
I hurt, and I am also joyful. I am joyful knowing she is in no pain.
I am thankful that my Mom was able to testify of God's love during those 10 days. I am thankful for the love and support we had from friends and family. I am thankful for great memories.
I am thankful for the peace, strength, and love that only God can provide.
