Saying Goodbye (@ Mary Summers, get a Kleenex) I remember the day Nancy sang Theres Just Something About That Name during a chapel service at Eastern Christian College. She sang well, then paused, for a dramatic reading in the middle of the song, that included these words, Ive sat beside the bedside of a dying saint. Her body wracked with pain, who in those final fleeting seconds summoned her last ounce of ebbing strength, just to whisper Earths sweetest name. Jesus...Jesus...Jesus... I remember being really impressed that Nancy had been there when someone died, then realized it was part of the song and Nancy may never really have witnessed this at all. But. I. Have. I was with Brother John the night before he died and received a tender kiss on my hand when he could no longer vocalize his love. I was with Buddys mom when she jumped into the arms of Jesus. And I was with my own mom, the night before she died. Each time I knew the end was coming and it was time to say goodbye. But, how? What strikes me about death is that youre alive, youre alive, youre alive, youre alive and then, all of a sudden, youre dead, youre dead, youre dead. There is no being a little bit dead, then coming back (unless youre Jesus or Lazarus or that kid in the movie...) And, even when you know its coming and even praying for it to come in the form of a peaceful passing, when it comes, its like a serpents strike that rips into your heart. We knew it was coming for Mom, and, even though the doctors had tried not to talk about it in front of her, I believe, at some level, she knew. Debe and the family, knowing we were heading to Tennessee the next day for Norrahs birthday, left Buddy and me alone with her, so we could say our goodbyes. How do you say goodbye to someone who has had such a powerful impact on every aspect of your life? I stroked the hair on her forehead, remembering how tenderly she used to do this for me when Id put my head in her lap during one of dads longer sermons. I dont know if this helped her or not, but I gained enough courage to tell her the truth, Mom, you may not make it, but its okay. You get to be with Jesus. I quoted her favorite verses of scripture, Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And, Mom, your everlasting life is getting ready to start... Eyes closed, this precious saint whispered, In Jesus Name and I pressed my wet cheek against hers and tried to memorize the moment. I tried to sing, Precious Lord, take my hand... but couldnt get very far with that. Buddy was choking on his own grief, as her told her how he couldnt have had any better mother-in-law. In that moment, I loved him more than ever. It was hard leaving her there but I just didnt want to see it happen. I admit to being a coward and running out on Debe and her family as they continued to do what they have done all along--taking care of Mom. God bless them for their faithful caretaking all of these years. I covet your prayers for our family--especially for the Weisses whose lives will change as they adjust to having more time. I suspect they will fill it with other acts of service.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 01:24:57 +0000
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