At 2:55 AM on 27 June, I woke up at the in-laws. I tried to go back to sleep and I couldn't. Thoughts were rushing into my mind. I laid there, closed my eyes, swore at myself to go back to sleep. Dad would need me the next morning. At 3:20 AM my phone rang, it was Bert, Dad had woken up and when he checked on Mom, she had passed away.
We all gathered at her bedside. We hugged. We cried. We said our goodbyes. As we were leaving, Aunt Aurella came (Mom's only surviving sister), and Dad escorted her into the room where they bid farewell to their sister and their wife.
I had the privilege and honor of helping my Aunt, my Sister, my Sisters-in-law and Princess prepare Mom for her final rest. There may be some of you who think "ooh, I could never do that!", but I'm telling you, it was my greatest blessing to assist these wonderful women in doing their duty for Mom.
It's been a difficult year for all of us. I miss Mom every day. There are times that I pick up the phone and want to call her to tell her of something that happened, or that we bought our new sofa, or that we had a great spiritual Sacrament Meeting on Sunday. I know that she already knows these things. I know that she is safe, with her parents, and Dad's parents, and her sisters, continuing the work of the Lord as she waits for us on the other side.
I'm grateful to a Mother who sang, who rubbed bruised limbs, and used band aids after she kissed your "boo-boo". I'm grateful to a Mother who taught me to respect women, to honor them and to cherish them. I see my Mom in Princess and I am eternally grateful for her choosing me to be her husband, that she said yes to my proposal, and through good and hard times, she has shown to me and others Christlike love.
I love you Mom. Miss you.
"Squeeze, Squeeze, Squeeze", "Squeeze back, Squeeze back, Squeeze back, Squeeze back"
Jim
1 comment:
Apparently I needed to cry this morning...very sweet, Jim.
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