Growing Old is Not for Sissies!
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.
What a year 2022 has been for my family. Nine months ago, my Sweet Husband went to Heaven. I was sitting by his bedside, holding his hand as he took his last breath on Earth. Yesterday, I found myself sitting by my mother’s bedside as she took her last breath on Earth.
These two people, whom I love very much, had different yet strikingly similar experiences. >Sweet Husband was 62 and never sick until three weeks before he went to Heaven. >Mom was 86 and never sick until three weeks before she went to Heaven. Both Mom and Sweet Husband were believers and at peace as they left this life. I am confident they are in Heaven with Jesus, happy and healed. I will see them again.
The major difference between Sweet Husband’s and Mom’s promotion occurred in the days before each went to Heaven. >Sweet Husband was in the hospital, connected to machines and unable to speak. >Mom wanted to be at home and talked a lot about going to Heaven. Even on the morning before she left this earth, she was telling my sisters and me a sweet story about going to Heaven and our dad.
We had interesting and thought provoking conversations with Mom about what we think Heaven is like. We came to the conclusion that our finite minds cannot comprehend exactly what it will be like. But we know it will be wonderful to be with Jesus and our loved ones who are already there.
As word got out that Mom was ill, friends began to call her. I was privileged to be a part of many of those conversations and it was clear that, as one of her friends stated, “The golden years are not always golden.”
There was one theme that consistently ran through each conversation—
How would we do this without Jesus?
It was touching to listen to friends talk with mom about her health issues as well as their own health struggles and how difficult this stage of life can be. The confidence in God’s love, help, protection and provision expressed by these “seasoned saints” brought a smile to my face and, at times, a tear to my eye.
Isaiah 46:4 from the New Living Translation states this promise—
I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
My mom always said, “Growing old Is not for sissies!” What I have had the privilege to observe during the past few weeks confirms just that. Yet, none of us has to be strong on our own. Our God gives strength, peace and joy to his children in all seasons of life. No matter our age or struggle, God has promised to be with us, care for us and carry us when necessary. For that I am grateful!
Today, my mom is enjoying her first full day in Heaven and I cannot imagine the joy she is experiencing at this moment.
Thank you Mom for everything! I love you and will see you again.