12/22/09

Our hope


I write this post being uncertain as to how I will reenter this blogging world. Thanks in advance for hanging with me! Many of you know my beloved Mother in LOVE was called home to heaven in September. On my birthday even. It was a sudden illness and she never regained consciousness. Her medical directive made it clear there would be no heroics. And so when the basics of life, breath and hydration, could no longer be sustained on her own, we prepared our hearts for separation. The elders of her church were called to the CICU along with family and friends. We surrounded her bed, praying, speaking remembrances, reading scriptures, and most of all, singing old hymns. Once the machines were turned off, it was just a matter of minutes that this worn out earthly body could continue to support the breath of life given to her so long ago. I praise our God that HIS plan is perfect and that his angels carried her soul that night. I stoked her beautiful face so soft and radiant, her hair so silvery (wisdom) perfect even with bedhead!and whispered how pretty she was even after all the invasive equipment.

And so with all the details of dismantling (my dear husbands' word) her life, it's taken me this long to feel ready to create again. I was blessed to make a video montage of Bette's life in pictures (when I figure out how to embed a copy, I will post it here). Both my sons were in on the effort, with Andy scanning all my many choices of photographs and Sam selecting the music that would be so important to the theme of her life. I felt happy in going through all the photo albums, shoe boxes, and picture frames to select the images that would tell the story of her life.
When it was presented at the memorial, it brought together a diverse group of people with Bette the center story of every thought.

I share all this and today's Color Challenge on Splitcoast for it is just a few days until we honor the reason for our hope, our gift. May you have the merriest of Christmases this year.


8 comments:

Patti J said...

Blessings to you, dear friend. I hope you find the peace you need to begin creating your beautiful works again. I'll be praying for you.

Joanne (jojot) said...

I now know the reason for your long absence. And it is so understandable that you needed time to do and deal with other things and put your creativity aside. I am so happy to hear that you are at the stage now that you can return to the art that you love. Through your art you can continue to remember your MILove...what a wonderful tribute name for her......

welcome back and Merry Christmas

jdmommy - Anne Harmon said...

Susan, I am so moved by your explanation of the events from September to now. Even knowing what had happened to your lovely MIL, this is so special. How lucky you were to have each other. I would welcome the opportunity to see what you have done when it is finished. Much love, Anne.

Dawn B. said...

Huge hugs and love are being sent your way.. I have been praying for you and your family.. Your write up is beautiful Susan. Take your time and welcome back.

Liz Williams said...

Sweet Susan, thank you so much for sharing this information about your difficult days. All of us with aging parents still have this tough time to face. How very sweet and full of love your words are, and my heart was just with you as you spoke of stroking your mother in LOVE's face. You were touching the face of an angel that God was calling home. I know your tribute of her life will be so meaningful and so reflective of all she is, and was and always will be. Love to you my friend, and what peace we have in the beloved gift God gave us in His son. I'm reminded of those beautiful words of Hark, the Hearld Angels sing..."born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth!" Bless you, dear one!

~amy~ said...

Susan, I've missed you tons....there is always something about your words that makes me stop , think & ponder....I appreciate that in you....welcome back my friend. I hope you have a magnificent Christmas!!!! Hang in there!!

Julia Aston said...

So glad to see you coming back here Susan - what a wonderful tribute you made - I wait to see it here - and what a wonderful verse on your card with the ticket of Hope.

hugs to you dear friend.

Julie- justwritedesigns said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Susan! You've been in my thoughts so much and I've wondered about you. I also know the pain of losing a loved one on your own birthday.

Thinking of you and I wish you a Happy New Year.