December 31, 2023. The last day of a year of firsts following the loss of a loved one. Though my sweet mother-in-law entered into Heaven on January 10th of this year, in many ways her last day of life was Saturday, December 31, 2022. The last day of the week. The last day of the year. The last day of a life she lived and one that we all loved. There was nothing unusual about this day. She spent it at home doing all the things she loved to do with all the things that made up her every day routine. Coffee, Bible devotions, breakfast, a morning nap with her companion dog Sophie, lunch, an afternoon game of cards with dear friends, dinner, a Hallmark movie, an evening conversation with her daughter, and finally ... bedtime. A perfectly normal ending to a perfectly normal day in a year that was far from perfect. (Aging is no walk in the park.) December 31, 2022. Just another normal day in the life of this sweet soul. And yet, looking back and reflecting on her last day at home, what was considered her normal activities became her final activities. Hardly normal. The next day and the days to follow consisted of an ambulance ride, a med-vac transport, blood work, MRIs, surgery, a feeding tube, a breathing tube, IVs, catheters, pokes, prods, vitals, doctors, surgeons, specialists, nurses, therapists, and EMTs. Heart wrenching conversations and final decisions were discussed at length before receiving and accepting the most caring and comforting last days in a hospice facility, surrounded by family. And then God called her home. A perfect beginning to a perfect new life. A few years ago on one of our trips back to visit family, my favorite mother-in-law invited me to a make-and-take craft event that was happening in her small town. (Making crafts and taking them with me? Yes please!) It was an invitation I could not resist. She knew me well. When we arrived at the event, all the items were laid out, ready to be crafted. "Do you want to build a snowman?" she asked. (Cue the theme song to Frozen...you know you want to!) We had such a fun evening! (Making memories and taking them with you forever? Yes please!) From the lyrics of the Frozen song, I pulled out these verses: "I never see you anymore It's like you've gone away I think some company is overdue It gets a little lonely, all these empty rooms." Happy New Year in Heaven, Rita. We are so thankful for the moments and memories we made with you. But goodness ... you are so missed.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
July 2023
Categories |