My mom loved everyone.
I am one of the few people who has flash
memories of being an infant. I couldn't have been more than 3 months
old, and I remember looking up at my mom and thinking, "I am so glad she
is my mom. She is so nice. Thank you God for giving me such a loving
mom."
I have also never met anyone who hated her. All the church
people loved her. Her family loved her. Even the nurses at the nursing
home where she lived out her final 12 years loved her. Her name should
have been "Love".
My mom was claustrophobic, and as a result, she
hated planes. Still, when I immigrated in North America, she insisted
getting into that tiny "box" of an airplane and on flying with my father
to the other side of her world just to see me. When my dad passed away,
she would still take the plane to see me and my family.
Unfortunately, my mom eventually developed Alzheimers. I found myself
completely robbed of the mother I knew so well. Still I would call her
everyday. Even though our conversation was limted to talk about the
weather, it felt good to hear her voice, and though we didn't get to see
her often, during her 12 years of Alzheimers she always recognized me
and my family. There's no way she would ever forget us!
A few
months ago, she lost her ability to speak. I still called her every day,
and the nurses told me that when I called, her eyes would light up. Even
then, she knew who I was.
A few weeks later she contracted an
infection, and she couldn't shake it off. Before we knew it, she found
herself on her deathbed. We had to make flight arrangements and
preparations to take care of work while we were away, and it was 4 days
before we could leave. The nurses reminded her regularly that I was
coming, and that Sunday when we arrived in her room, she recognized us
immediately. Every twenty minutes she would smile. She was so happy!
The next day she began to decline. Her eyes glazed over and her
breathing became shallow. That's when I realized she had hung on until
we arrived.
We got a phone call at 3:15 the following morning. My
mom had only minutes of life left in her. We rushed to the nursing home.
We talked to her about heaven, how beautiful it was and that Jesus was
waiting for her. We told her we would join her there very soon. Then
came the moment that her spirit was ready to leave. We encouraged her to
follow the light. She died moments later, in total peace. She had
reached the Lover of her soul.
I will miss her, but I know that
she is happy. Her Alzheimers is gone now. All pain has disappeared. She
can run and dance. She can talk and eat. She knows that one day we will
join her, and she looks forward to that day.
Thank you, Heavenly
Father, for giving me such a wonderful mom. I love You!
In His
love,
Rob Chaffart