I have so much on my mind today.  I want to continue telling our story of my Mom’s final days with us here. I want to share stories of that beautiful and brutal week. But there are also stories that are happening currently that warrant sharing. What to share first?

I’ll start with what feels most urgent. I am so thankful for our community and how you have surrounded us in these difficult days. You all have come around us in such amazing ways.  In the uncertain days of Mom’s illness you were present with us in bringing meals, in bringing companionship, in bringing real life needs like a wheelchair and ramp, and certainly in bringing our names before the throne of grace in prayer.  In the sacred days of Mom’s dying, you brought us comfort in many forms: life-giving fellowship, soul-nourishing food, heart-warming music, to name a few.  And we are grateful.

Some of my favorite days in that time at the Hospice Home were the ones where friends and family gathered and someone would begin singing.  We’d all join in with a familiar refrain. Some of you brought your instruments knowing that music lifts all of our souls and particularly comforted Mom’s.  That room became our living room. You came and sat with us. Sang with us.  Shared meals with us. Sighed big sighs with us.

We gathered there together with you remembering and telling stories of a life well lived. Just like Mom had always modeled, we welcomed one more and then another into the mix, creating a full, “standing room only” party sometimes.  Come on in!  We loved seeing your faces, hearing your voices, feeling your warm embraces and sharing in sweet remembrances.

And ultimately, together, we ushered Mom home to her heavenly glory! Gathered around her bedside, holding her hands and encircling her earthly body, we gave thanks for her. Together we spoke words of gratitude for the specific ways Mom had taught each of us well, for how she had shown us what grace and mercy look like, for the ways in which we knew Love because of her love for us.

“Where two or three are gathered, there I am with you.” The sweet and holy presence of the Lord was ushered into that place in worship in those last days.