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May 13th, 2023 – Post #81
My mom finished her race last night at 11:28 A.M. She labored hard all the way to the end, and there was a great comfort in seeing her finally at rest.
The comforting words of I Thessalonians 4:13-18 come to mind:
But I would not have you be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
I’m thankful that when the final trump sounds, it won’t be playing a mournful tune, like “Taps”. Instead, it will be a song of victory, signaling the defeat of the last enemy, death.
I pray those thoughts comfort your hearts, as they continue to comfort mine.
January 25th, 1942 – May 12th, 2023
I am truly proud of the way my mom lived her life, especially during this last year on Hospice – uncomplaining, cheerful, funny, and loving those she encountered. She will be sorely missed.
I remember as a kid, thinking is was “so weird” that she would want to take pictures of her dad in his coffin, and be looking at him, happy he was smiling. Over the years, I began to understand that a little better; but last night truly made me realize what it meant to her, to see him at peace.
After laboring so hard, and suffering so long, seeing her face, finally at rest, brought comfort in a way that nothing else could. She just looked beautiful. Best of all, she looked like she was laughing. I’m so thankful she’s finished fighting.
Funeral Arrangements
We have not solidified dates and times; but plan to have a visitation and service in St. Louis. Bopp Chapel will be making those arrangements. After that, my mom’s body will be transported back to her hometown of Wabash, Indiana by Grandstaff-Hentgen. There, we plan to have another visitation and a graveside service where she will be buried in the Friends Cemetery.
As we work out the details, I will add them to this site.
Thank You
Thank you for the love and support you all have shown us. It has meant so much.
Sincerely, Jody
*To read more on my mom’s cancer journey from the beginning, or share it, please click below:
I am so glad I came for the Hostas and got to see her once more, She seemed so peaceful that night.
Loved her and Jody you did a wonderful job keeping us informed.
Love and hugs to you three girls, Dave and all the grandkids she loved so much.
Thank you, Deb – I really appreciated you coming by and coaching me on working the suction machine. I’m glad you got to see her one more time. 🙂
She was a remarkable woman. Always kind and flashing her beautiful smile. It seems appropriate that she ends her fight as we wrap up Nurse’s Week. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Terri 🙂
I have mixed emotions as I’m sure you and your family do. I am relieved and sad at the same time. It’s a relief to know Beth is no longer in pain, and it’s a relief that you no longer have the burden of her care. I felt your joy and Beth’s joy through your posts as well. I know you will miss that part as we all will. She was a good Christian example for all of us to the very end. We should all hope to be so filled with the joy of our Lord that even in the most difficult times we share the love and joy of Christ. Jody, obviously Beth has given you this gift, as you also exemplify the peace and Joy of our Savior. I will be praying for you and your family as you go through this transition in your lives. May you feel the love and presence of God’s love especially at this time.
Thank you, Carol – It is a strange mix of missing her so much; but not wanting her back, suffering like that, for anything. Thank you for your encouragement.
My memory of Beth as one of the sweetest, kindest persons that I know!
Also, fabulous nurse!
Thank you, Cherilyn. 🙂
Jody, you, too, have fought the good fight. Thank you so much for taking us along as you stood by your mother’s bed these many months and sharing the precious time you had laughing and loving with her. Through your descriptive and precise writing I almost felt like I was in the room, too, and it was a comfort when I knew she was too sick to have visitors.
To you and your dad and Erica and Meghan, we give our love and sympathy.
Thank you, Erma. 🙂
Thank you Jody for the loving care you gave your mother-I am forever grateful. You had a beautiful connection with your mother. I knew she was getting the most loving care from you in her last year & more!
Beth was a special lady-I have such fond memories of our time at Mamie’s-then as adults-the vacation in MI-our phone calls! Beth always had a smile & laugh we will never forget.
My heart goes our to her family-she will be greatly missed! I love you Beth! Rest in peace with our Lord & Savior❤️
She loved you, too – and I’m so glad you all survived synchronized swimming at Luken’s Lake, so I could know you. 🙂 I know there were many times she thought she’d drown from laughing so hard with you cousins. Hope to see you soon. Much love, Jody
I’m sorry for loss. My heart and prayers are with you all. She was a wonderful woman and a beautiful person, she will be missed and never forgotten.
Thank you, Larry – I hope you’re doing well. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten out the catch phrase! 🙂
Jody
Thank you for sharing your Mom’s journey towards finding peace while suffering cancer’s tragic demise.
I often felt I was there with you and Beth as you shared stories of real life with wit, compassion, humor, and above all caring.
While we all knew the end of physical life would happen, I will always hold dear all the wonderful times we shared together. Beth was and shall always be my best girl friend. I love Beth, you and your sisters, and Dave with a spiritual connection that is not destructible.
Beth had such a welcoming presence that whenever we reunited, it was like we had never been apart. I am happy that she is now at peace. Thank God for all the blessings in our lives.
Thank you, Mike
Release and peace. Thank you for your sharing of this personal, intimate journey. You did a wonderful job.
Thank you – she was a lot of fun to be with. I feel very blessed. 🙂
She was a very treasured guide when I met her 40 years ago as a 20 something lady. I have nothing but admiration for your mom. She was smart, kind, lovely and a lot of fun! She was a person of strength and character that is sorely missing in our world. I loved her, will miss her, but relieved her pain is replaced with happiness.
Thank you 🙂