My mama passed away

I was able to visit with Mama in the hospital several times, along with Dad and my sister, my brother Tim, his wife and others. After a total of 12 days in the hospital (since surgery on the 26th of March) she came home under hospice care. Mama was home for five days. We took turns sitting with her. She recognized me and smiled lovingly at me, even after she couldn't really speak well anymore. She actually sang with Dad one morning, too. Dad and Mama were truly in love and their expressions of love for each other were so tender and sweet.

Mama had one really good day where she was able to sing along with my brother Randy and others of us on Thursday, the first full day my brother Jared was there. On Friday my husband Mike arrived and she was so glad to see him and our daughter Janina, but could only stay awake for seconds at a time by then.

Saturday morning April 11th, the day before Easter, Mama passed away at 10:07 am. Dad and Dawnie were with her as she drew her last breaths. Mike and I and the girls had stayed at our daughter's house as Dad's house is not large enough for that many people. We and many others of the family arrived shortly after her passing. I sat with Mama and watched to see if she was breathing and put my face to her mouth to listen, but she was gone.

The funeral was held on Wednesday, April 15th. The congregation sang the opening hymn, "There is Beauty All Around, When There's Love at Home". Mike gave the eulogy and my sister's husband Mike gave a talk as well as Mama's bishop; they were wonderful. Dawnie and I sang a hymn called "Oh, What Songs of the Heart" with my niece's husband Aaron accompanying on the piano...and then Dawnie and I sang "The Sweetest Gift" acapella. This is a song Mama always requested us to sing in years past. We sang it for her one last time, as a tribute to Mama's smile, her forgiving nature and because she and her sisters loved to sing together as they grew up.

Several of the adult granddaughters sang a hymn together, acapella also. It was a beautifully harmonized version of "How Gentle God's Commands". The congregation sang the closing hymn, "God be With You Till We Meet Again".

It was an emotional time, but very beautiful. I felt peace knowing that my sweet mother had been a good and loving person, "Mother to all within arm's reach" as said by a dear friend of ours... Mama is now in a wonderful place with those of her loved ones who have passed on before. I know we will see her again! She is alright. It's just those of us who are left behind that are sad. Many tears were shed and many healing hugs were shared. It's hard to believe she won't be there, won't be calling me or giving me her hugs and warm encouragement... at least not in person... until we meet again.

We flew home on Saturday the 18th. I missed my other children so much! But I may need to go back again soon for a short visit to help with things there.