December 26, 2010

Christmas was an emotional experience this year. It was difficult to do shopping and with Mom unable to do all that she normally does for Christmas it just wasn't the same. I'm glad we had just one more Christmas to spend together as a family, but it was hard to "celebrate" when we're all so very aware of what is to come in the days ahead. It's just a reminder at how precious life really is and how quickly the life we have and take for granted can change.

It makes my heart sad to remember past Christmases with Mom and then to see how we spent this Christmas, with her in a hospital bed, eyes covered with a washcloth, sleeping though the exchanging of gifts. Mom loved Christmas and loved to see the excitement of everyone when they opened the gifts that she'd so carefully selected for each of us. It would not be uncommon to find gifts she'd bought months in advance and hidden away, eagerly anticipating the arrival of this Christmas. Maybe that will be her way of continuing to share Christmas after she's gone.

I can't even imagine the thoughts that must be going through her mind, as she's very much aware of what's going on. How scary and sad it must be. Fortunately, we all know that in these final days she can have a peace in what lies ahead. We all know where her eternity will be spent and that someday because of His perfect plan we can also have that same peace in knowing that we control where our eternity will be spent. It brings peace and comfort to know Him and know that Mom knows Him, as well. Mom has lived her life as such a wonderful example of what a Christian is supposed to be. She let her actions speak louder than her words. What a great example to aspire to be like. I will forever cherish the lessons she's taught, most often demonstrating her love of God through her service to others. Isn't that what it's really all about? Serving others? I hope that her life has ignited a desire in all who know her to embrace the spirit of Christ in service to one another.