“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 4:6-7

One of the most precious gifts God has ever given me was to be able to care for my precious momma during her last days on earth. But it was also one of the hardest. Her mind was good but her heart was getting too tired to keep her going. So yes, it’s hard to watch someone who always was so active, suddenly not have the energy to finish a sink full of dishes. She would fuss at me when I would “sneak” around to finish those undone chores that we both knew she couldn’t do. I would just smile and tease her.

The verse I have shared became important to both of us during those few months we had left together. We spent a lot of time trying to pack a lot of preparation for the future into a small window of time without letting it feel overwhelming. We just took little steps each day. We talked, and laughed. We spent time in memories and cried. But we never took our eyes off of the where all of this was leading. She was going to get to see her Savior, finally. She was so excited! And she did, and Easter Sunday!

If I could leave you with any encouragement, it would be this, just be present. Take every moment a moment at a time. Breathe. Your loved one just needs you.

-Brenda M.