Mom

Doris Ann

She was born in Iowa,

became a farmer's wife,

and was the mother of 5 children,

three boys and 2 girls.

She taught her daughters

to sew,

to bake,

to clean house,

to care for flowers,

and reminded us to practice the piano.

She taught her sons

to work hard,

to pick up their rooms,

and cheered for them in sports.

She and my dad eventually lived in Arizona,

and after my dad passed away,

she went on a few last adventures -  

one was to live in Wisconsin by my sister Karilyn and brother-in-law Bruce,

there were couple of trips to Montana to visit me and my family,

and then her final journey on earth,

to Nebraska, to live by my brother Gary and sister-in-law Buffy.

I last saw my mom in September,

when I flew to Nebraska to see her,

knowing it would most likely be the last time.

Alzheimer's did not keep her from remembering me,

cancer did not take her away from us.

Gary with Mom in September

 

 

 

She died in her sleep

with Gary and Buffy by her side.

Thank you, Lord Jesus,

for giving us our mom.

Thank you for the chance to spend time with her

and to remember old family stories,

the ones she remembered better

than the recent events,

the memories that were a part of her,

living in her heart and hiding in her mind,

tucked away where Alzheimer's could not reach.

Thank you, Jesus,

for one last phone call this week,

to tell her I love her,

to hear her say it back,

for the memories that lay

at the very surface of my heart.

This old hymn just now came to mind,

so I will share the lyrics...

What a Friend We have in Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised

Thou wilt all our burdens bear;

May we ever, Lord, be bringing

All to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright, unclouded,

There will be no need for prayer—

Rapture, praise, and endless worship

Will be our sweet portion there.