4-5-18

I never want to let go of my mom but this morning I did...

April 5th at 8:20am I was holding mom's hand, my head on her shoulder. My brother, Curt was holding mom's other hand. Nancy and Sonja were at mom's side with their hands embracing mom. In spirit all of mom's family & loved ones were around mom as she peacefully left. My mom... she is someone so special that I never want to let her go. But this was the time...the right time...she was ready...and heaven was ready. "I Can Only Imagine" what she is doing now...

I am sure mom is holding dad's hand again.

I am sure she is happy sitting beside her son, Rod.

I'm also sure mom found her brother, Warren. :-)

And knowing mom... she is smiling with great joy walking with the Lord as she looks upon us.

Missing you mom...so much. Also incredibly thankful you were my mom.

I love you.

4-4-18

"Home is where you mom is." :-)

Together Susan and I shared last night with my mom. Medicine every 2 hours along with adjusting the bed & other things to keep mom comfortable. Mom is not in pain... and for that we are very thankful. Today there were loving visitors all day surrounding mom with song, prayer, words, hugs & kisses. From morning until bedtime Monte, Emily, Brent, Nancy, Curt, Nancy, Susan, Sonja, Darla, & friends Clara, and Marilyn all were here. Hospice also came by 3 times for any assistance. Mom is still in a continuous sleep but it's obvious things are changing. :-( This is a journey and we are here to walk with mom. Even those that can't physically be with us are in this room in spirit. We can feel it. Tonight my Aunt Sonja will spend the night with me and mom. Curt & Nancy decided to stay over until tomorrow morning as well.

In addition to being by mom's side...we've all been looking through scrapbooks. I just love this photo of my mom. It might be my favorite... I love her beautiful smile and eyes!

Mom with 6 of her then 7 kids eating snow cones. That is Carol on her lap. I wasn't born yet. Oldest Rod is off with my dad somewhere.

Jim, Monte, Joan, Curt, Brent, Mom, Carol.

I haven't seen this pic in a long time. It's a smiley family photo! :-) 

Back: Joan, Brent, Carol, Jim, Monte, Curt, Rod

Front: Dad, Me, Mom

2 more favorite mom pics.

Mom & Dad.

Love.

4-3-18

It is good to be with my mom & holding her hand again. Today I painted her fingernails at the hospital. :-) Mom has been in a sleep since Saturday morning. She had a really good Friday with my brother, Brent and nice visits with other family visiting that day. She had been alert, talkative and knew everyone. It was so encouraging. But it was on Saturday when (due to a suspected stroke) things changed. Monte & I spoke with the doctor today (Tuesday) and also with hospice care. With me here we decided to bring mom back to her own home for her final days. I am thankful I can be with my mom and provide care... making it possible for mom to be at home with family all around her. Tonight my sister in law, Susan will stay with me to assist in care through the night. PS: There is no significance to Winnie the Pooh...it was a stuffed animal mom had at her house for her great-grandkids. It makes for a good bed companion though. :-) However, here is a quote from Winnie the Pooh that seems too appropriate...

"If there ever comes a day where we can't be together, keep me in your heart. I'll stay there forever." - Winnie the Pooh.

4-2-18

Posted this pic & words on Facebook tonight...

I am usually happy sitting at the airport waiting to board a flight to someplace new or a familiar destination to visit family & friends. Tonight I am sad... as I am heading home (to Iowa) to see my mom again. My mom is failing and God is soon calling my mom home (to heaven). Tonight's amazing sunset over Phoenix and yesterday's beautiful Easter with family are God's perfect gifts.

#ilovemymom #imissmymom #Easter #godsplan #gifts #blessings #family #love #mom #itsoktobesad 

4-1-18

Easter Sunrise Service at Mountain Park Church.

Abbie & I went to our local 6am service and it was beautiful. From the purple glowing roof over the patio to the view of the mountains & sunrise as we sang from the balcony. A meaningful service with tears of sadness and joy. I am thinking about my mom every second as she is failing. I'll be flying back to Iowa tomorrow to be with her and family.

Easter morning continued with an 11:00am Easter service at HOPE. Paul gave a great message.

Here are the Easter Lily girls. :-)

Today is April's Birthday!

We had some fun with the props from my birthday last year (thanks Mary-Mia)

Happy #23 April Jane.

Happy Easter.

He is risen. He is risen indeed. 

From this morning's hymn...

"No guilt in life, no fear in death. This is the power of Christ in me. From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny."

3-31-18

 Keep on going & enjoy the ride.

Life is full of ups & downs, good & bad, laughs & tears. I'm thankful to share these times with this guy. Yesterday's ride in Prescott with Bob.

3-30-18

Just me and my shadow(s). :-)

Thursday ride; Bob in the middle (taking the photo) & I'm on the left.

Road cycling with friends from Lifetime Fitness.