Rodney L. and Arlene M. LeeFor those of you who know me, know that I am not the most religious person. But I do believe in God, or some wondrous force that drives us in our lives, and Fate.
Mark's grandmother passed away today, surrounded by friends and family. We had all planned to visit her Friday to "tell" her that is was okay to go. Her husband passed away 8 years ago on 9/24. And she started going down hill from that day.
Over the last two weeks or so she was labeled as "Actively dying", meaning her body was slowly shutting down, and forgetting how to do things. She had lost the ability to move in any capacity, and had not spoken in several weeks.
We received a phone call this morning at about 7 am that she only had a few hours left. We rushed around, found someone to watch the boys, and went to the hospital to be with her, and say our goodbyes. 3 of her children were there, her oldest daughter lives in OK, so she spoke to her via a cell phone. They all told her that they loved her, and she was a great mother, and grandmother. They told her that her husband was waiting for her for Christmas, and she should go to him.
We received a phone call this morning at about 7 am that she only had a few hours left. We rushed around, found someone to watch the boys, and went to the hospital to be with her, and say our goodbyes. 3 of her children were there, her oldest daughter lives in OK, so she spoke to her via a cell phone. They all told her that they loved her, and she was a great mother, and grandmother. They told her that her husband was waiting for her for Christmas, and she should go to him.
I left at about 1:00, to do some holiday cleaning, and cooking, and Mark stayed there with the rest of her children. I called Mark at 4:00 to see how things were going. He told me she had just passed, and he would talk when he arrived home.
He said it was the most amazing, uplifting experience of his life. He said that her breathing had changed from the slow, deep breathes, to a very fast, shallow quick breathing pattern. Her two daughters(Kellie, and Nancy) each were holding a hand. They knew by her breathing that things were changing. They started to again tell her that it was ok to go, they were all crying and letting her know that it was ok. Suddenly Kellie said, "I felt her hand move." Nancy told her to hold on tight to it. Nancy grabbed her other hand tighter as well. They asked "do you see dad?"(Rodney-her husband) - there was no response. Then Nancy said, do you see Jesus? And clear as a bell she said "yes". They were all in awe, they asked again, "Mom, do you see Jesus? Are his arms open" And again, "yes". They said at that moment they all felt a warm calm feeling over all of them, and Nancy said, "Then go to him." And she passed.
Mark says that telling the story of the experience does not do it justice. But the whole family is so happy, and at ease. It's amazing to be part of such a close family.
Mark's dad (her son)says it's the best Christmas present he could have ever received. They all say, they do not feel as though they need to cry. They're just so happy to know where she is, and who she's with.
Mark said to me "I saw Jesus today, and He is great"
He said it was the most amazing, uplifting experience of his life. He said that her breathing had changed from the slow, deep breathes, to a very fast, shallow quick breathing pattern. Her two daughters(Kellie, and Nancy) each were holding a hand. They knew by her breathing that things were changing. They started to again tell her that it was ok to go, they were all crying and letting her know that it was ok. Suddenly Kellie said, "I felt her hand move." Nancy told her to hold on tight to it. Nancy grabbed her other hand tighter as well. They asked "do you see dad?"(Rodney-her husband) - there was no response. Then Nancy said, do you see Jesus? And clear as a bell she said "yes". They were all in awe, they asked again, "Mom, do you see Jesus? Are his arms open" And again, "yes". They said at that moment they all felt a warm calm feeling over all of them, and Nancy said, "Then go to him." And she passed.
Mark says that telling the story of the experience does not do it justice. But the whole family is so happy, and at ease. It's amazing to be part of such a close family.
Mark's dad (her son)says it's the best Christmas present he could have ever received. They all say, they do not feel as though they need to cry. They're just so happy to know where she is, and who she's with.
Mark said to me "I saw Jesus today, and He is great"
I find it so hard to wrap my brain around things in life sometimes. I'm still trying to get a grip on the loss of Sandi, and why she was taken from us so soon. And Mariah's mom, Susan-my second mom growing up. And my friend Terah who passed away from cancer just after her 21st birthday. They were all young, ambitious, vibrant women, and I miss them so much. My heart aches thinking of what they could be today, and the many wonderful things they had accomplished in life. And all of the many more things they could have if they weren't taken at such a youthful age.
I think what I've learned so far is to stay close to all of the great friends I have. I'm so lucky to have such an amazing circle of friends. We are all so different in our lives, yet we would do anything for each other. And often do without ever expecting anything in return.
It sounds cliche', but life is short, and you never know what may happen next.
So, I wish everyone a very safe, and wonderful Holiday. I hope your hearts are full this season, and that you enjoy every second you are with your friends and family. And even though we are scattered across the globe, we're all thinking of each other this time of year.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
1 comment:
That was perfect!
Merry Christmas little sis.
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