Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,

Some of you know that Barb’s mother had a slight stroke in November, and, while in the hospital, a large tumor was discovered on her lung.  Her doctor predicted she would have 6 to 12 months, or less, to live.  We had not expected her to decline so quickly.  She went to be with the Saviour she loved on Sunday, December 26^th, at the age of 90.

We had planned a trip to Pennsylvania, and arrived on Sunday, December 19^th.  Mom had shortness of breath, but was able to get up and get to the bathroom with her walker.  On Monday, she needed help standing, then, got weaker each day.  By Thursday, Mom was bedridden, and any small exertion caused very difficult breathing, and needed oxygen.

Barb stayed with Mom all week (Ray went back to New York Tuesday and Wednesday because both of us were running low on our medicines).  Mom was very peaceful, even happy, knowing she would soon be with her Lord.  She did not lose her sense of humor.  Christ’s Home gave each resident a Christmas gift.  When Mom received hers, I asked her if she wanted to open it.  “You open it,” she said, “I’m in the ‘closing stages,’ not the ‘opening stages’!”

Barb’s sister, Shirley, and her husband, were able to drive up from Florida in time to spend Saturday, Christmas Day, and Sunday with Mom.  Each sister was holding one of Mom’s hands as she breathed her first breath of “heaven’s air,” and her last ones on earth.

Mom’s pastor at Christ’s Home had to be away, so Ray was asked to do the memorial service, as well as the private funeral and committal service for the family.  Barb was able to sing.  The prayers of God’s people were answered as each family member who took part was strengthened.  We believe God was glorified through it all – just as Mom certainly would have wanted.

Mom will surely be missed.  She was a true “prayer warrior,” in whose footsteps we all aspire to follow.

Again, thank you for your faithful prayers and support during the difficult times.  In spite of the suffering and pain, Mom’s greatest Christmas gift was to at last be in the presence of her Saviour … we would not deny her that blessing!

We sorrow … but not as those “which have no hope” – I Thessalonians 4:13.

Truly our Christmas was blessed.

Our prayer for you is for a spiritually prosperous New Year … perhaps the year of the Lord’s Return – Titus 2:11-14!

In Christ’s Eternal Love,

Barb and Ray

II Timothy 1:12