To say that the last 3-4 weeks have been quite a journey is an understatement. It was quite a rollercoaster ride. Doctor appointments, tests and more tests, helping mom with difficult decisions, hospital admission, nursing home, hospice, waiting, family gathering, saying goodbye, death, arrangement making, more family gathering… This list could go on and on. Many of you have been there. You’ve had this very same experience with your own loved ones. You know what I’m talking about. It truly becomes an emotional roller coaster.
As I write these words it was just a week ago that we were gathering here at the church to have the service to celebrate mom’s life and faith. Hard to believe a week has passed. So much has taken place in just the past seven days. Sorting, cleaning, and moving things out of mom’s apartment. Starting to deal with the legalities that are always present when a person dies. Tears have been shed, stories shared, hugs given and received. My sisters have returned to their respective homes. Life is beginning to get back into its normal routines… or at least what will be the new normal.
As I pause for a moment to reflect on all that has happened, in the midst of a lot of different emotions, there is the feeling of gratitude. Yes, you read right…gratitude.
I’m grateful for church staff and church family that allowed me a lot of grace and flexibility to do what I needed to do and be where I needed to be during mom’s health decline.
I’m grateful for those who stepped in, sort of at the last minute to help out with worship so I didn’t have to be there that first Sunday.
I’m grateful for having been able to share the last seven or so years of life with mom here in Mitchell. (Mom always joked that I didn’t know what I was getting into when I invited her to come live in Mitchell after I was appointed to the church here. I always wanted to tell her that maybe I didn’t know all the details…but I sort of did know what I was getting into…and I’m glad I was here for it.)
I’m grateful for having shared a moment of feeding mom some Zesto Chocolate Malt on one of her last days. It struck me that she was the one who cared for and fed me on my first days of life…and how honoring it was for me to do the same thing on one of her final days here on earth.
I’m grateful for the church member who saw me cross the street to enter the church, as they were driving by, and they quickly pulled over so they could pray for me.
I’m grateful for all the signs of love and support that I’ve received from all of you, my friends and church family.
I’m grateful for a neighbor who offered their cement parking pad between their house and mine, for my sister to park her camper on… “For as long as you need.”
I’m grateful that my sisters and I were all together for a week or two helping mom, and that we were all with mom as she drew her last breath.
I’m grateful for a spouse that stood with me and let me do what I needed to do.
I’m grateful for a God who was with mom on her journey…and that same God is with me too.
I’m grateful that we have a hope of life lived in God’s joy and love beyond death and the grave.
I could keep going…but it is interesting that in the midst of sadness and loss, yet there can be such a good feeling of gratitude for so much. Now I’m going to wipe my eyes…give thanks again…and keep on moving forward living this life that God, my mom, and my dad gave to me.
Serving Together…
Pastor Keith