Yesterday was a very hard day for me. It was the day of the funeral for a ‘mom’ figure, one that I respected greatly and enjoyed being with her and other family members.
This family took me and my husband in years ago as ‘adopted children’. The 3 girls all say that I am the adopted sister. One of the grandsons told one of the funeral home guys that I was more a part of the family than he was.
Ma had not recovered from her brain surgery, June 3rd, as we all had hoped she would. She overcame one obstacle after another, but it just was not enough. I know that Ma had to be tired from all of the fighting to live that she had done. Pa was getting very tired, also. He visited with her everyday for at least 5-7 hours. Ma was 88 and Pa is 86. This schedule, everyday for almost 3 months, would exhaust a much younger person.
Lots of family and friends were there to give condolences to the family. I was in line with the family as if I were blood related because I was there to support in whatever capacity I could and I was needed there. My estranged husband, his daughter and son-in-law were among the friends that came. Seeing these 3 were not a problem for me. Bill does, however, need to give a more firm handshake (may be that he really did not want to touch me). I only know that he was wearing a dark suit, have no idea what color shirt he was wearing, only remember the tie because it had shades of lavender in it.
I am missing Ma and I know that Pa and the sisters are. I told one of them that this was no consolation but if Ma was given a choice she would not come back.
If ever a man loved his wife, Pa did! After God, this lady was always first in his life. Anyone who knew them knew this to be a fact. One of the preachers yesterday said in his comments that after visiting with them, he always tried to be a better husband and dad.
When I think of the pain and grief that Pa and the sisters are feeling, my heart cries for them.
Yesterday was hard in another way, too. Ma was at the same funeral home and same room that my dear mother-in-law, Granny, was in less than 5 months ago. ‘Cause you see, over the years I had learned to love Granny a great deal and she was a ‘mom’ figure and an example for me in my life. Two great and precious ladies that I have wonderful memories of that will be with me for as long as I can remember, are no longer here for me to enjoy in person.
This life will go on for me until I am called home or Jesus comes. The important thing for all of us is to make sure that when called, we are ready and can joyfully answer.
