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| December 1999 |
A Mother’s Devotion
As a
mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Isaiah 66:13
For the love of others
When
I found out Mama was attempted in the hospital I caught the first flight
heading to Texas.
The preliminary cause was her inability to move due to thyroid problems.
After
landing at DFW airport I headed west to Fort
Worth, hospital bound. It came to no surprise to find
Mama surrounded by a host of friends who cared and loved her dearly. As conversations swirled in the small room, I
could see Mama looked satisfactory but there were obvious signs she was tired,
weak, and feeble. Another shocking
sight, she had long ragged finger nails. Mama never wore long nails they were
always cut short. Was it because of her inability to clip nails or just tired?
Over
the next several weeks I camped out in my Mama’s hospital room, tending and
taking care of her in ways I never thought.
Her
restless nights were laced with moans, groans, fighting in her sleep. Attempts
to get out of bed but with her weak conditions she fail several times. Like a
sixth sense I slept less, became attentive, concerned and on constant alert.
In
between frequent checks to insure her safety and comfort the mind’s eye reflected
on my childhood, when I would awake and find Mama sitting on my bed tending to
my ailments. A mother’s love is
everlasting. Mama sacrificed her sleep
to insure I was okay. Now it was my turn.
Making decisions for parents
About
the fifth day it was apparent Mama was sick and once discharged she could not
stay alone. The day had come where I had to make the decision for Mama’s well
being. Yet I could not muster up the strength to tell Mama she has to move to Atlanta with me or reside
in an assisted living facility. There was clear and present danger ahead. This strong
willed and independent woman I grew to love was not going to accept this
without a fight.
As
the evening sun set upon the western horizon of Fort Worth, I stared at the
brilliant red orange colors which filled the sky. In the midst of tranquility God’s
invisible hand moved. What was perceived as being a debate became a painless conversation
of acceptance. Our silence ended when Mama spoke, “you can have the car, sell
the house, I am moving to Atlanta
with you.” A sense of peace filled my
spirit. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love the
Lord.
In our
admiration Mama had a sudden urge to go to the restroom. In her current condition
walk was labored and required assistance. There was no time for the aid of a nurse.
Needless to say I was not fast enough to react either. Mama had an accident in the bed, on the floor
and all over herself. My first thought was to clean my mother. As I removed soiled clothes and begin to wash
her, tears flowed from her eyes, “I am so embarrassed, you don’t need to clean
me call the nurses.” There was a moment
of silence. “Mama do not be embarrassed that
is what I’m here for.” As she sobbed, I reminded her “I would be less of a son
if I could not do for you what you did for me as a child.”
After
dressing Mama she hugged me and kissed me for the last time.
A mother’s love
A
mother’s love runs deep.
She
is a nurturing, loving, and gentle person.
She
is understanding, leads by example, supportive, and will sacrifice herself for
the well being of her family.
A
mother is a virtuous woman worth more than any precious stone
A
mother’s touch heals all pains and mends broken hearts. Her unwavering faith is
unprecedented. She will never let you
endure anything alone.
Just
as days ebb and flow like waves of the sea, tears often flow from me. A day never passes without thinking of
my Mama. I long to hear her words
of wisdom, and every so often
I pick up the telephone to call but stop. Though Mama is not here today her
spirit lives on within me. Mama, fly high on this your day and know I will be forever
loving you...
Happy
Mother’s Day
Many of
you are blessed to still have a mother. Cherish the precious moments. Take time
to call, visit and love her not just on Mother’s Day.
May this day be filled with joy and many blessings!
Make it a great Mother’s Day.
Dear
Heavenly Father,
Thank you
for the creation of mothers. Thank you
for blessing them with a loving and nurturing spirit. I ask that you bless mothers on this
day. Fill them with your Holy Spirit.
Bless everything they touch, covering them with your Grace and Mercy now and
forever more.Amen.
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