Tender Mercy

 

Wednesday night Gary got to mom's at 9:30 PM.  Mom hadn't eaten since Saturday and her breathing was changing.  Mel was going to go home earlier, but we wondered if this would be her last night so she stayed.

Gary and Ashley gave mom hugs and kisses and we caught them up on how the day had gone.

When Gary was talking to mom she opened her eyes, she hadn't opened her eyes much at all since Monday.

Not only did she open her eyes, but she seemed alert.

We gathered around her and she was looking up at us and seemed to be very aware.

It was a very special, sacred time.

It was so special to be all together and have mom aware that we were there.

I told Caitlyn to take some pictures of us while we were all gathered around her.

Mom was very focused on dad.

They had some beautiful moments where they were able to look into each others eyes.

I'm so grateful they got that time and that we were there to witness it. 

These two are the perfect example of a sacred union.  They love each other so much and have always showed the utmost love and respect towards each other. 

Dad told mom that she was going to be with Jesus soon.

We all cried a lot.

I sent this picture to Jonah and he responded, "Look at Grandpa's face. There could NEVER be peace like that found anywhere else but through Christ. There are so many or's in this world. You can be happy OR sad, hopeless OR hopeful, fearful or courageous. But isn't it incredible how Christ's atonement allows us to use the word AND?  We can be sad AND hopeful in the same singular thought, confused AND peaceful.  You're doing everything right mom! Feel those hard feels, And embrace the peace! Because I promise it's there and I'm so glad you can feel it."

Dad said this would be a good time to give mom a blessing.

Dad asked mom if she wanted a blessing. It seemed like she did and knowing mom we know she would.

Dad gave her a beautiful blessing.

He expressed what a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother she has been.

He told her that Heavenly Father was very proud of her and that she would be going home soon.

I'm sure it was very hard for dad to bless her to be released from this life, but he did it and it was very special.

After the blessing we all got a chance to hug her and talk to her.

We were all very emotional.

We were also very grateful that we had this opportunity to talk to her while she was alert.

I'm so glad Caitlyn was there that night. It was very good for her to be there.

She loves grandma so much and wanted to spend every minute she could with her.

I thanked my mom for making me want to be a mother. She loved it so much and I've always wanted to be a mom because of her.

I'm so grateful that I learned how to be a mom from the very best. I also told her to watch over Jonah for me.

Mom had some tears running down her check so Matt wiped them away.

I'm glad Ashley was there too.

We all got a chance to say what we wanted to mom and hug her and kiss her and say goodbye.  

I'm sure mom was exhausted after that.  It was after 11 PM when everyone finally left. Caitlyn put a rag on mom's head because she felt warm.

I spent the night there again. After that special night and all the goodbyes I really thought she would pass away.  She seemed ready to go, but she held on for a few more days.