This Mother’s Day doesn’t look exactly like I want it to. We’ve been told that my sis has just weeks to live. She’s still in a Chicago hospital and has survived a blood clot, infection, seizure and mini stroke this week.
My daughter, Amy, came over for breakfast during
the week and we searched my stash for just the right tablecloth for her
mother-in-law’s memorial scheduled for this Mother’s Day Weekend. We were both sad.
I decided to serve our scrambled eggs on my mom’s Franciscan dishes that morning complete with my lace tablecloth and inherited silverware. I am
learning that creative centerpieces are a springboard to interesting
conversation, hence the old photos.
That’s when our breakthrough came.
As we held each photo, we realized how blessed we are with the moms,
grandmas and aunties that have sprinkled our lives. We
belong to a loving family and God has also blessed us with loving friends.
We are thankful people. My pastor said it well when she reminded me that
a garment of praise replaces a spirit of heaviness, Isaiah 61:3. A little bit of pink, a little lace and pretty candles help too!
We attended the memorial today for Amy’s
mother-in-law. Her kids did a great job
honoring their mom and our melted hearts healed. I am
so proud of them.
My sister may be leaving the hospital tomorrow to
spend her final days in hospice at home.
Tears fall, but God is still in control and
always loving His children. He has given
us a weapon of praise and thanksgiving and nothing can take away the joy of our
salvation. Oh, I hope this encourages
some today who, like us, wish Mother’s Day looked brighter this year.
I'm so sorry that you are literally going through the valley of the shadow of death with your sister. I so remember when my sister, more like a mom to me, was in her final days of cancer~there is a blessing in being able to walk through that time with someone you love and knowing that you'll see them again in heaven. Sending you hugs today.
ReplyDeleteNoreen
Yes, let us never forgot those for whom Mother's Day isn't a particularly happy occasion.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry that your hearts are heavy.
Your table looks absolutely splendid, and I love the idea of sprinkling of olden photos, like treasured guests.
Indeed, God is in control.
{{{HUGS}}}
I'm so sorry! It's such a special day for many, but so hard for many others.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear what you are going through. Hugs and blessings.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a pretty table setting!! I'm so sorry to hear the news about your sister and the passing of your daughter's mother-in-law. The good news in the midst of this incredible sad news and tough times is that eternity exists in heaven with Jesus. We just have to wait until we get there to meet up with our loved ones that have gone before us. There is that hope in the midst of grieve and sadness.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your sister's condition. Hopefully, she's not alone there in Chicago, and is surrounded by some family. It seems she's tough and she might survive more than predicted. God is merciful.
ReplyDeleteGood idea the display of old photos on memorial days. Such photos are a great reminder of beloved family members.
Oh Mary, I'm so sorry about your dear sister. What a hard thing for the whole family...I'm so glad that you had a good visit with your daughter and could talk and commiserate together. I'll keep you and your sister in my prayers today and this week.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day to you my friend, may you find joy today.
Ceil
Oh, dear friend! I am SO sorry to hear of your dear sister's declining health and also the death of Amy's mother-in-law. All right at mother's day. I am just so very sorry. I have had that same exact Scripture on my heart lately, as we face some challenges....Jesus came to give us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. What an exchange! I seem to have a hard time making that trade when the hardest times come, but when I can press through and start praising Him, it absolutely does put a rebuke upon the spirit of heaviness. That heaviness is so real and so palpable. May the God of all comfort hold each one of you very close....oh, my heart truly goes out to you with much love and compassion.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this post this year. I spent this Mother's Day weekend visiting my uncle, the last of my dad's family of 11 children. He is in a nursing home and his days here are drawing to a close. The blessings are in sharing in all the love that is flowing through his room from family and nearly-family.
ReplyDeleteDear Mary,
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for your family as you have had such sadness at this time of year. I was sorry to learn of Amy's mother-in-law's passing and now this news about your sister. Will you be going to Chicago to be with her? Hugs, my friend. Your table setting is beautiful and what a special way to make the best of a very hard time. Love you.
((((((Sister Mary))))... Sometimes, it's best not to even say anything but just hugs and prayers. In silence, through the Spirit, letting you know that you are thought of. And praying God will sustain your sister, her family, and all of you during this difficult time. I can see how you are choosing to see the "positive", though may not be easy, but I felt that gift of joy from the good Lord enveloping your hearts. To others, those dishes are just some "Franciscan" old ones...but I know that it was a special gift from your mother whose love was truly a miraculous presence that would go on. Because in our loving mothers' death, their love doesn't stop there. We have no option but to trust in His true promises. He is faithful. May you all remain strong in the Lord's mighty power. Love to you sister. Thank you always for encouraging me despite me not posting in a while. But the good Lord is good. All the time. He quickly saves. And I know that is true!!!
ReplyDeleteAw. I'm sorry to hear this.
ReplyDeleteBut you're brave and beautiful for still believing that God is in control. He really is.
Stay steadfast.
Sending you virtual hugs, my friend.
Oh dear friend , praying for you all . I know your hearts are heavy . The memorial table is so sweet . Just made me tear up . Please know I'm praying for your sister and your sweet family right now . Hugs and blessings , Cindy
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your circumstances, Mary. I'm praying for your sister and her family which includes you, sister. I always appreciate your heart and perspective. It's your ministry.
ReplyDeleteOh Mary, I am so sorry for the difficult Mother's Day that this has been for you and for your daughter Amy with her MIL's passing and memorial. The tablecloth looks beautiful with all the dishes and beautiful photos! Praying for you dear friend, and for your sister in this very difficult situation. Many hugs for you today!
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