See you later, Mom

Tribute to Mom
March 7, 2008
Read at Mom's Memorial Service


As I reflect over the years of growing up under Mom's guidance and leadership I have thought of many examples she set before me. Foremost, I always knew both of my parents were committed to the Lord, ministry and each other. This provided much security for me as I was growing up. Seeing firsthand the inner workings of missionary life is another part of my heritage that gives me a unique perspective of ministry. Even though the sometimes financially lean years of being missionaries were frightening, I knew our faith in the Lords provision would see us through. This is the constant faith I have today. The Lord will see me through whatever is happening in my life.

My Dad's role of being a missionary pilot required him to be absent from our family frequently. Mom always excited us to do something special to give Dad a hero’s welcome home after his trips. Mom made us feel safe and secure even in Dad's absence. As a teenager, my Mom was the youngest looking mother of all my friends. She loved it when she was mistaken as my sister instead of my mother. Shopping together was always fun, even though we had a few battles over the mini skirts of the 60's, shoes and a two piece swimsuit which surprisingly she did let me get. Our most special shopping was when she helped me plan and prepare for my wedding and married life. Mom loved to laugh! We had silly times when we would laugh forever over the least little thing, especially our private family jokes. Mom had the ultimate knack of knowing what to put together, whether it was clothes or decorating her home. Mom loved special occasions, especially birthdays and Christmas. She faithfully remembered our family with birthday cards and checks. She started catalog shopping for Christmas in January of every year and by December had a mountain of gifts gorgeously wrapped in beautiful foil paper and bows. Mom loved children. She loved teaching Sunday school and working in Junior Church for many years. She loved her grandchildren She told them stories of her childhood, read to them and taught them fun silly songs from a long ago era. I appreciated Mom's upbeat personality and positive outlook on life. Through her struggles with arthritis, she continued to push forward and serve the Lord through her support of Dad, her ministry to children and friendship with others. I am thankful for her example of being a Godly wife and mother.

The last six months were very difficult for Mom because of many debilitating health issues. She was working hard in rehabilitation to be able to come home to live in their new home in Ft. Oglethorpe. She was excited to settle in and decorate it with her special touch. She spent hours thinking and dreaming about all the things she wanted to do. She was within of week or so of being able to come home when critical health issues gave us setback after setback. We had so hoped for her to be able to come home.

As I sat next to her hospital bed, holding her hand throughout the day, into the night and then early morning, I thought of how we had worked so hard to get her home. But I didn't know her destination was not to her earthly home. The Lord's will was for her to go home to her heavenly home. Although it was difficult to let Mom go, it was a privilege to be with her at her home going. I am comforted knowing she is walking the streets of gold with her new body.

Each time I left Mom at the rehab or hospital, I didn't say goodbye. I told her I would see her later. One last time I say, "See you later, Mom."