Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A Time to Laugh; a Time to Mourn
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;"
Ecclesiastes 3 1-4
All of us know the truth of these verses in Ecclesiastes. We've read them and heard them sung. This week our family is preparing for "a time to mourn." My dh's mother is in an ICU. I won't go into the details but my mother in law is almost 90 and her body is slowly failing.
This is the mourning and weeping part. She is the last of her generation in her family and the last of our parents.
Yet this is sad and happy at the same time. We live a 6 hour drive from most of our family. So we are getting time to see and show love to them.
It has also been good to see our children and nephews show such love for their grandmother. The three grandsons who live in the area have all made the trek into the city to visit their grandma--even though she may not even be aware that they have come.
My own son who lives a state away sent a card. Those of you who have adult sons know what a gesture of love this is. When I saw it on the bulletin board in her hospital room, it touched my heart . He called again last night to find out how Gram was doing.
While my dh and his brother have been driving into the city every morning to be with her and talk to the doctors, my daughter and I have been sorting through all the family "stuff" in the house. We have begun the task of preparing the house to go to another family.
As we go through 1920-1933 high school year books and old scrapbooks and photo albums, it has been a good time of sharing. And telling her family stories and history, most of which she had never been told.
I don't know when Gram will go to be with the Lord, but it is comforting to know:
"Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
2 Corinthians 5:5-8
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My sympathies go out to you and your family. I went through something similar 13 years ago when my mother died of cancer. At least you have family to help you through this tough time....and she is going to a better place without pain.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you. I did this with my dad just five years ago. From his generation, I just have his sister.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry. I can imagine that it is a comfort knowing that she will be with her Lord. I cannot imagine going through this. My grandparents are 83 and we have learned that time is precious. So, we cherish the time that we have left with them.
ReplyDeletePrayiing for you and your family,
Hannah
My mil did go to be with the Lord yesterday around noon. I'm happy she is in a better place and no longer suffers her pain. She had RA.
ReplyDeleteI find it a blessing from the Lord to be with a loved one towards the time of their life. I got to spend time with my dad and mother-in-law. An honor. But it's also hard to say good-bye. Knowing she knows the Lord makes it a little easier. Receive my love during this difficult time as a sister in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteWhat does RA stand for, if you don't mind my asking. I think I know, but am just checking...
Hannah