We gently shift into a new gear.
We leave the hospital tomorrow with hospice care at home.
Tonight, we live into the questions. And there are many.
One of her nurses from last week stops by to check on her even though my she isn’t her nurse tonight.
It is time to love in new ways.
As I sit by her bed, she takes a sip of water between naps. I am the one blessed to offer a cup of cold water.
I stroke her head, tell her how much I love her, and what a great Mom she is and has been to me.
I play old hymns at her bedside on my computer that she has sung in church all of her life. Songs like Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Peace Like a River, and dozens more.
My dad married Jimmie Ruth Hudson on August 1, 1968. I was thirteen at the time.
And now forty-two years later, I remember how she taught me to be a loving stepparent by being one herself.
I pray I have learned the lessons well.
Amen.
I love your mom. Give her a hug and a kiss from the Bragg family. Let us know if we can help. How could we send a card to her?
I’m thinking of you and yours Malcolm.
With much love,
Carol
Thank you Ann and Carol for your thoughts and prayers.
Malcolm
Jimmie Ruth….So, so kind, she has always been the one taking care of everyone else. Please tell her I love her!
Thanks Janice, I will.
Malcolm you and your family are in my my mother’s and my prayers tonight. I called mom and read this blog to her. She said that she had been thinking of your mom today. She had not heard anything about her being sick. God works in ways we do not understand but she said she was thinking of the good times they shared in the past. She was always so sweet to my family and we pray that Jesus will give you a peace beyond all understanding during this time. God bless.
Malcolm my brother you are so much in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks Mike and Kerry, I really appreciate it.
Hey Malcolm, so sorry to hear that Jimmie is not doing well. I did not know she is sick. She and my Mom were such good friends, along with your Dad. She is a special woman; I remember that she made sure that my birthday was celebrated with a surprise party when we were on a youth trip in Gatlinburg. Her way of taking care of me since I was away from home on my birthday! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Also, I found some more things that I think you would like as I have been going through Mom’s things. I will call you one day to see if we can meet for lunch. You and your family are in my prayers.
Bill