Almost every Sunday for the last three years, I, and my family, have visited my mom at the nursing home. If we happened to be in town during the week, we would drop in on her then, too. One month ago, she entered the hospice program because of advanced dementia. Friday morning I got a call that she was unresponsive and that I should come in.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that she knew who I was when I got there and I gave her funny kisses on her cheek from my son which made her smile. I told her that I loved her and she whispered back that she loved me too. There was an hour or so that I was able to talk to her before she needed pain medicine to stop the coughing from another case of pneumonia. At one point, when I was trying to help her get on her side, she was concerned for me (because a month ago I had hurt my back doing farm work - but she didn't know it was better now) and her concern was touching in the midst of her own pain.
I will cherish that last day with her perhaps more than any other. Saturday morning at 8:55am, she went home to be with the Lord. I know that many people don't get the chance to say a last "I love you."
Hazel Ruth (Mason) Montgomery 1921-2010, may you rest in peace. I love you Mom.
Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
