life goes on

On Wednesday of this week, just a little past noon, my mother passed away. She had been under hospice care for about 5 weeks, in our home. And while she is no longer "here", I am convinced more than ever that her life goes on. A stronger, more real life than she (or we) could ever know on this earth.

I will miss her, but I do not mourn. She had been suffering for more than a year and through that suffering I saw her change for the better. I saw more of her sense of humor than ever before in my life. In spite of pain she was more at peace than I had ever seen her. She was more tolerant than I could remember and better able to express her love. I realize more fully now that suffering does refine us.

I am grateful for the seven months Mom lived in our home. I am also grateful for the fact that she died here; it had to happen somewhere; it was a privilege to witness and experience that with her. As I've said before, God is good, all the time; this is more real to me today than ever before.

And life goes on.

God is Good...All theTime

Life gets hard but God is Good!

There is so much that is going right in the midst of a difficult time. For that I am very thankful.

I sold a second item on Etsy, an art quilt/wall hanging. That makes me want to get busy on some more crafts.

We had people around all week; my nephew Joe, his wife & son were here last weekend; my brother Bruce was here all week, we had seven visits from various hospice workers, our pastor came by to see Mom and last night friends came for dinner; a welcome break from our tedious routine.

I was able to go to church last Sunday & to Bible Study on Wednesday night. I also got out for about an hour last Thursday & did a bit of shopping. I got 3 pair of socks, 2 pair of shoes, 1 purse & 1 blouse for under $60!! That is something to be thankful for.

aaaahhhhhh

Mike & I just got home from a wonderful mini-vacation. My sister Dianne & her friend Janie jumped at the chance to drive down from Oregon to give us a short break & the timing couldn't have been better.

They arrived about noon on Friday and were here when our Hospice nurse visited & when Mom's hospital bed was delivered. I could not have prepared for it alone as furniture had to be moved, lots of clutter shuffled and a new "system" put in place so mom could reach the things she needs to have close by (clock, tissue, lip balm, antacids, water, etc). That alone was invaluable.

The best part was that Mike & I could get away; we drove over to Bodega Bay & met up with or very best buddies, Don & Ann. We hung out on the bay watching people crab & fish & then headed over to the ocean beach where whales had been spotted earlier in the day. We were too late to see the whales but did enjoy a beautiful sunset. Janie had insisted that we be prepared to spend the night, something I had not thought I wanted to do, but when Don & Ann invited us to stay with them we were able to so. After a good (9-hour) nights sleep and home made waffles for breakfast, Don, who just happens to be a massage therapist, asked if I couldn't use a short massage & for the first time ever I said yes. My 'short' massage lasted over an hour and was amazing.

We got home about 11:30 so Dianne & Janie could hit the road at noon. Mom is doing well today, which really tops off a wonderful weekend!!

So...a great big THANK YOU to Don & Ann, Dianne & Janie...and especially to Mike for insisting that we get away, and for focusing on doing something that I would find relaxing.