Today is the 8th anniversary of my mom’s leaving this realm to enter heaven’s door. That belief is what allowed me to release her graciously from the limitations of this life on earth.
I remember being in the hospital those last days as my mom made her transition. You see, it’s hard for me to say death or die. There is a finality to the word that is really an illusion to me. We all were created to live forever, and I believe we surely do!
While having the privilege of being by my mom’s side along with family those last five days, I met a woman. Today I prayed for her. I remember how overwrought she was with fear, anxiety, and grief because her mom was dying too. They were both older and were very close. She told me that they had lived together all their lives in one form or another.
I don’t remember exactly what I said to her, but found myself encouraging her in her pain. I didn’t seem to be as unglued as she appeared. I loved my mom. Was there something wrong with me? Was I in denial or out of touch with my emotions? Was I in shock, or was this peace I felt real?
There are many reasons our reactions could have been different, and I’m not pretending to have the all the answers. I do know that I was able to release my mother knowing that I would see her again and that she would be waiting for me in a much better place. Death, the last enemy was destroyed, and my mom was truly made alive. I do miss her presence, but there is joy in the realization that she still lives, and I can let her go.
I Corinthians 15
“But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”…..But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:54,57
