A Fellow Traveller

Some of you saw this poster when you came to Mom's memorial service or visited with us prior.  These were the exact words we found in the folder with her plans and wishes; her message to family and friends. Death is part of living -  Living with Jesus in my life each day Then when God says so, I'm ready to take His hand and go with Him to heaven to live there forever. When you hear that I'm dead, know that I'm more alive than ever before. I'll have a new body with new feet, spine and lungs. So don't be sad, but rejoice! I've made it home to be with Jesus! Forever! With NO MORE PAIN! There are elements of this message I'm still processing, like the first part.  How can death be part of living?  Is this the living we do with memories of death and those we sorely miss? How can dying be a part of living with Jesus? Did Mom have to die to the desire to be pain-free and trust Jesus with the pain? Did the Prince of Peace have more...

Doctor,  Mom trusted you.  She felt that you were worthy to receive that trust as her doctor at the end of her life. Jesus,  Mom trusted you.  She felt you were worthy to receive that trust as her Saviour throughout her life. Doctor,  We saw the deep level of understanding you had for Mom's wishes and desires.  With respect, you continued to ask what measures she wanted to take next, right to the end. Jesus,  We saw a deep level of faith in our Mom as she repeatedly clung to your promises in Scripture.  You never let her down, faithful right to the end. Doctor,  Mom knew better than us what the final stages of this disease would be like.  Wanting to protect Dad, we knew she didn't want to die at home.  We know you must have worked behind the scenes so "that meeting" never ever took place.  Mom never had to entrust herself to another doctor and for that we are grateful. Jesus,  You knew better than all of us...

Silent night, holy night The world is sleeping Unaware that God has arrived Unaware that the holiness of heaven is resting in a newborn baby The world is sleeping Unaware that God is calling home one of his beloved daughters resting in a hospital bed All is calm, all is bright There is the calmness of rest after the labouring of birth There is a brightness and soft glow of muted light in a dark stable There is the calmness of rest after the labouring of death There is the brightness and soft glow of muted light in a darkened hospital room Round yon virgin mother and child A virgin mother is enjoying her child This gift of God's presence that was birthed through her A beloved mother is surrounded by her children This gift of God's presence lived out through a surrendered life to Him Holy infant so tender and mild This precious infant in gentleness and quiet strength The holy Son of God joining humanity at the b...