Friday, February 6, 2015

the hard and the holy

Hard stuff has been going on with us but I haven't written about it because, well,
it isn't just my stuff. Not like with my dad.
Bill's mother Elizabeth has been under Hospice care at her assisted living facility
since new year's. She'd been in obvious decline for many months but
the past month, and this week in particular, she has declined dramatically.
 
Elizabeth is being kept as comfortable as possible; her care is excellent.
Many of us are in and out checking on her;
Bill and his brother split the day to be with her: they are so attentive.
But today was very hard. 
Those bright blue eyes tried to stay open and focus. 
She tried to talk but the medication has slowed her speech.
When I held her hand, her grip was firm.
These are the hard but holy moments.
It is hard to see a person dying. God never intended death for us.
But there is stunning holiness in witnessing the end
of an amazing 98-year life.
 
 
 
When it comes time for you to lose a loved one,
I hope you can sense the holiness in the hard moments.
It is there.
 
We covet prayers for Elizabeth's comfort and her homecoming.
 
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Mr. BooDoo, Mr. Matteson and I paid a communion visit to Mrs. Haller today. Although she was in bed and not as alert as usual, she clearly values God's blessings including His forgiveness. Although she may not be feeling well, she always has a smile for us. What a special woman she is!
Bill Darrah

Barb said...

We treasure you guys from DCC who've been faithful to serve Mom over the years. Thank you, Bill!

Bonnie and Bob said...

Thank you for the update, Barb. We have been keeping Aunt Lib and all the family in our prayers. We're thankful we've had her with us for so many years. God bless!