Yesterday, I sent out a newsletter to let my readers know that my mom passed away, very unexpectedly, last weekend. She took a nap on Saturday afternoon and never woke up–a sweet and gentle passing. The last phone conversation we’d had ended with an “I love you.” It never dawned on me that those would be the last words we’d say to each other. I’m so so glad.
A reader, Carolyn from Indiana, responded with a beautiful story about her own family. I asked her if I could share it with you, and she was gracious to answer with a speedy yes!
I can totally relate to telling your love ones how much you love them. When my children were younger I taught them to make sure that they said “I Love You” at the end of every telephone conversation. One day I heard my middle child and youngest getting snippy with each other on the phone, but I smiled when I heard them say “I Love You” before they end their phone call. My middle son got teased by a couple of his friends when he told me that he loved me on the phone. He gentle told them that if anything ever happen to him he wanted to make sure he knew that he loved me. In fact his friends stated to follow his example.
In our family we tell each other we love them each night before we go to bed, when we leave the house, at end of phone calls and even text messages.
Isn’t that a wonderful example? To all of us!
I’d love to hear more stories like Carolyn R’s. There’s so much to learn from those who are doing it right. We might not be doing everything right, but we do get some things right. Please share in comments!
You are right–you never know what our last words will be. I’m so sorry about the loss of your Mom–so glad you didn’t have to see her suffer. My Mom was only 50 when she was diagnosed & died of breast cancer. One of the best life lessons/words of wisdom given to me while Mom was in hospice was from my minister brother in law; he told me to pray for words of wisdom to tell her goodbye. I am so thankful that I was able to apologize for all the “trouble” I gave her when I was a teen (she said, “Oh, that’s all right!”) and to be able to tell her what a good Mom she had been. I’ve read too many times in the “Dear Abby” columns where someone has wished they could’ve had one last hour w/ a loved one, and could’ve re-written their “end of life” story.
So sorry about your mother, Suzanne. Thankful the last words spoken was, “I love you.” Our family has said “I love you” as long as I can remember when leaving one’s home, talking on the phone or texting. The final words to someone is so important as we never know when God will call a loved one home.
You and your family are in my prayers. Blessings of peace, love and comfort from our Heavenly Father and Savior. The hymn
“What a Day That Will Be” comes to mind as I think of our reunion with loved ones who has gone on before. Then “Just He Lives” we can face the future without them. God’s spirit in them is the same as in us thus we are always joined together. Hugs and love.
Truly there are no words that are adequate when you lose a parent. It was so good to read that you were able to be there and express your love. I get the feeling that you and your mom were very close and that was a good life experience for you and your Mom. God bless and take care. Prayers are on the way.
So sorry for you and your Family! Nothing like your Mama!!! But what a way to go, just fall asleep and wake up with Jesus! I know what it’s like to lose a Mama who truly suffers her last days. My Mama left this world at only 45 lbs! Parkinson’s destroyed her body, but I’m thankful it couldnt destroy her eternity! Because of Jesus, she lives in Heaven! My Daddy also suffered with COPD for years. I’m glad I’ll join them both in Heaven one day! What a promise! And that promise is yours today!
I’m so sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you and your family. May you keep all the wonderful memories of your mom close to your heart.
Suzanne,
I lost my brother same way, talked to him that morning, we discussed me coming over for coffee and donuts, my brother was a donut fanatic, but I couldn’t, sad because by noon he was gone, had I gone there I might of been able to do something, what was worse he was found several days later after countless times of trying to reach him, he was always off and going somewhere or working, never forgive myself.
He was my lunch date.