Mom's Last Day

It may sound kind of funny, but mom's last day was a great day. My day started with God answering a prayer, a prayer that seemed far out of reach, impossible, really. I wasn't expecting it, and I certainly wasn't expecting that I would be the one God would use in answering my prayer. I had the opportunity to tell mom about it, knowing she was alert and understanding every word I said. I know that mom and I had shared the same request, and even though she couldn't talk, I know she was praising God! Donna and I read to her from the Bible. Later that day, we were all around her bed and we started singing. It seemed like we sang forever. We sang every old hymn any of us could think of. I watched as mom's chin would move, trying to sing along with us. Cary called in the afternoon and I held the phone up to her ear so he could tell her goodbye. She was alert and I know she heard him. I have said many times this year that if I could choose how I die, I think this was the perfect way. She was very aware of our presence-all of her children were there, she knew that God had once again been faithful and answered our prayers, her children surrounded her and sang her favorite hymns. To me, it just seems like the way I would want it to be. About 8:00 that night, she went to sleep and we never knew if she knew anything going on from that point. I stayed in a chair next to her and held her hand all night. I wanted her to know she was not alone. By the time morning came, I was begging God to take her home. I could not understand the purpose in her hanging on when she was so ready to go-even though I think I do know why now! It was about 10:00 in the morning and we were gathered around her, waiting. I finally whispered in her ear to let go, to go and be with Jesus. She only took two more breaths after that. They told us her hearing would be the last to go, and while I may never know if she heard me, I will always believe that she did. God ordained her days, even before there was one of them. Her work on this earth was done!