“You need to come soon if you would like to see mom before she passes, her vitals are slowing down. Wait…, I think she may be gone. She is gone, Mom just passed away.”
That was the jist of the phone conversation the evening my mother died, February 22, 2016. She was 92 years old. Even though she had passed I had a strong desire to be present with her, so a fast decision was made to drive an hour down to the nursing home to join the other siblings gathered there and to have an opportunity to be with mom for a few minutes. Mom had lived a long life, but it was still hard to believe she was gone. She was so resilient that at times it seemed possible that she may be the one person that would live forever. Seems it’s always too soon to lose one’s mother.
When I reached her room I found that all had left for my sister’s house, they didn’t know I was coming. All was still and I sat down next to her in the quiet room. Just 24 hours ago, on a day of great clarity, she had visited with each person that came to see her and had given a word of blessing and encouragement to each one of them. The blessings came naturally as we held hands with her and talked to her. I often think of the words she spoke to me during our conversation that day as I am sure each of my five siblings do as well.
Strange how obvious it is that the “person” is no longer there. I cried, spoke to her, touched her- but she was gone. The shell/tent of her life was left behind and the essence of her personhood, her spirit and soul, was no longer there. She had stepped out of this world and was present in heaven. I have never been more sure of heaven than I am now after losing both parents and almost losing my husband, Calvin.
Sitting by her side it was as if the portal opening to heaven was still open, like one could look right up and see through to the other side, catch the heel of her spirit and go right on up behind her. She knew her Lord and He had called her home. As our father would say to those that were dying and were believers in God, “I’ll see you on the other side.”
Mom, when it’s my time and the Lord calls me home, I’ll follow you through the open portal door to heaven, for I am connected to the Lord too, heart to heart. I know you are now in the crowd of witnesses that cheers us on, but right now I really miss you. You were a wonderful mother. Happy Mother’s Day in heaven. I love you.
Thank You, Jesus that you lived, gave Your life for our sin, died and were resurrected by the Power of the Holy Spirit. You ascended into Heaven- leaving the door to Heaven open so that when we give our hearts to You, You will forgive our sin and one day bring us through that open door into heaven behind You. We walk each day in faith that we are connected to You heart to heart and can have confidence that nothing can separate us from Your love, not even death.
Romans 8:38-39; Colossians 3:1-3; John 14:2-4
This is beautiful, Shelly. The line that struck me the most was “Strange how obvious it is that the “person” is no longer there.” I noticed that when my mom died. I, and others in my family, had been with her that afternoon in the hospital when she was in a coma. There was no doubt that Mom was still there. I had to leave for awhile; when I returned with my brother, we knew Mom had passed. When we were allowed back in the room, I was struck by how different she looked. As you stated, it was so obvious that the Mom we knew and loved had gone on to heaven. I am so thankful that we are left with wonderful memories of our mothers and the hope of seeing them again in heaven.
Exactly- I keep reflecting on it and it makes the verses in Scripture about heaven even sweeter.
Shelly, that was so well written. I so enjoyed being in your parents home and getting to know them a bit. They were wonderful people.
Thank you- how they loved special guests like you!
What a lovely tribute, Shelly! I was touched.
Hello, friend! Thank you.
Very sweet! I believe that as each passing of a loved one occurs, we begin to yearn more and more for heaven ourselves. It will be such a sweet reunion on that day!
So true…can’t wait!