Mum with her “kids”
I am back in Australia, flying down with only 48 hours notice after learning that my mother is probably in her last days. She has pancreatic cancer, diagnosed a couple of days after Tom and I returned from our last trip.
This is the hardest trip I have ever made, grieving the whole way for the mother I knew and not sure if she would still be alive when I got here. Walking into her hospital room and seeing her face light up with delight made it well worth the rigours of the journey. Now we wait, our hearts aching but accepting what is happening.
I have never been more aware of the love of God surrounding all of us and holding us in the eternal presence. My mother and all those who love her are in God’s care. And in the midst of that comfort I catch a glimpse of the depths of God’s incredible love. God’s heart aches not just for the grief we are suffering but for every hurting and suffering person in our world. Love hurts but it is certainly worth it at least that’s what I think and I suspect God does too.
John Birch posted this beautiful prayer which has been a great comfort to me as I travel.
True healing is more
than restoration
of flesh and blood,
or knitting of bone to bone.
True healing is wholeness,
where body, soul and spirit unite.
True healing is peace,
the knowledge of God’s presence,
a hope that knows no end.
True healing cries ‘Father,
not my will but yours.’
True healing knows love
perfectly,
a love that casts out fear.
True healing overcomes,
endures,
for eternity.
8 comments
Continuing to hold you all in prayer, Christine. Love hurts, but God gives us community to soften the pain. Your community truly loves and appreciates you – and we’re walking with you through this season of grief. Joy everlasting will come in the morning!
Thanks Andy – it is hard but worth it.
Dear Christine, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have not met you but I love your postings and I am a daughter myself and a sister in Christ. May God continue to hold you all in the palm of His hand as you walk the sacred journey through the valley of the shadow of death with your mother, family and God.
Hi Christine
9 May 2012, last year my Mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
I was sitting with my journals of that time over the weekend. I can testify of a God that is ever present, that is so tangibly present. A God that reveals Himself in so many ways around the sick bed of a loved one.
Yes, I miss her. Yes there are days that I ask why Lord. She was such an inspiration to many but then I am reminded that through my brother’s life and mine we show the world the Mum that raised 5 children that are active citizens of this world. I suspect that the role she played in your life causes you to be the blessing you are over the world, even here in Cape Town, South Africa.
Praying for you , your family and friends in this time. Treasure every second. I am looking forward to your emails even more now than ever.
Thanks for sharing this prayer this morning.
Joy D Warries
Bellville South Youth &Women Centre (Coordinator)
WOWMovement (NPO 080-339)(Founder & Project Coordinator)
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‘A labour that uplifts humanity carries dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence’ Martin Luther King Jnr
Thanks Joy your supportiveness and prayers are so much appreciated. I am just back from the hospital after a very emotional visit. Hard but beautiful
I’m so happy you made it safely and the site of you made your mama beam- I think we don’t realize how our love and presence affects those who care to much for us- they draw strength from us and we let them- its a mutual giving- for we gain more just by giving-
I pray your journey with your mama will be one of grace an wonder and you guide her and hold her and watcher as she travels uncharted territory- it’s a rare thing for those of us who are allowed to witness the Holiness of this transition- just hold her hand, touch her often – laugh, pamper, all the things that will be remembered on some other day – when a wisp of something will remind us of a time –
For now- hold loosely while you are in the presence of Angels- they do surround- and of our Father and The Lord our brother- let the Holy Spirit guide you and fill you with ever knowledge is meant for you now-
Enjoy favorites of everything- this phase of life is the feast- as preparing for a birth-
A mother is a friend- a daughter is her legacy- you are what she gave you through Christ – and then we give back-
I hold you closely in my prayers throughout –
With love- your sister in Christ
Margaret Trotman
Thanks Margaret, and you are right my mother has been a wonderful friend to me and her love has made me so much of whom I am today
You all continue in our prayers, that you and your Mum know the peace of God that passes understanding,,Mum eternally and you in this present and difficult time. Grief is indeed the price we pay for love.