It’s 2:00 a.m. and I am on “Day 6” of my vigil with my mother. On Saturday afternoon, June 15, my mother suffered a fall in her bedroom. The injury she sustained will soon take her life.
These past six days have been very difficult. As I am writing these words, I am watching my mom struggle for life with every short, labored, breath. If it weren’t for the wrist band she is wearing, I’m not even sure I would be able to recognize her as my mother.
The medical staff has done extremely well at keeping her out of pain. However, the pain I have been feeling has been unabated.
A few hours ago, I checked my voicemail and discovered an unheard message. It was from my mother moments after she fell. In this voicemail, she expressed her awareness of the seriousness of her fall, and so she ended her call with what I believe she thought could be her final words to me. She said, “Steve, I love you. Goodbye.” Less than two minutes later, her brain injury had robbed her of her ability to speak.
How I now regret mowing my yard last Saturday afternoon and missing my mom’s phone call. And, how I regret missing my opportunity to answer her desperate call, and saying, “I love you too, Mom.”
However, as painful as this week has been, I was able to find relief for my pain when I entered her bedroom and looked at her bedstand.
On my mom’s bedstand were four well-worn Bibles. A couple of the Bibles belonged to my dad, but the top Bible belonged to my mom. I sat down and perused mom’s well-worn Bible, and saw notes, highlights, and underlines that divulged that she was a student of God’s word.
Next to her Bibles was a “Daily Bible Reading Schedule.” Seeing this schedule reminded me of my days as a boy back at home. At night, when everything got quiet and I was settled in for bed, I would hear the voices of my mom and dad, taking turns, reading their Bibles aloud.
Also, on mom’s bedstand was a Bible Encyclopedia. Mom wasn’t content with a shallow understanding of God’s word, but she desired to know more…Bible backgrounds, geography, and customs.
In view of the past six days, I needed to see my mom’s bedstand. That bedstand has taken the edge off my pain and given me reassurance. Mom’s bedstand has served as a reminder to me that I’ll get to respond to that missed phone call someday and say, “I love you too, Mom.”
Steve…had a similar experience with my mom! Was glad to have met you in person as Westhill’s Summer Series. Ole Olsen
I am so sorry! My mother took a fall 12 years ago and did not survive it. Prayers of comfort for you and your family.
Steve, my deepest sympathy. I know nothing hurts more than having to watch your Mother suffer the way she is. When my Mother was in the same situation it was so painful sitting by her side and holding her knowing that there is nothing you can do to make it better. All we can do is put it in God’s capable hands. My prayers of comfort as only God can do goes out to you, your Mother and the rest of your family
So sorry to hear about your mom. Remembering the days of your dad and mother coming to Sandyville for gospel meetings and the love and kindness shown our children. Love the great advice she gave me as a preacher in raising my family. You all are in our prayers,
Steve, you and your Mom are in my prayers. I am so sorry.
Love the picture — what a beautiful lady. Her inside beauty shows in her face. Aren’t you glad you have this picture?
Steve, thanks for sharing this. It is a blessing. Prayers abound.
So sorry Steve, it has to be hard to set there and watch your Mom. You know that God has a plan for all of us. Don’t be to hard on your self for not getting her phone call, that’s just a way that she could let you know how she loved you so much before she couldn’t speak anymore. I will be praying for you and your family 🙏🏼🙏🏼
We are praying for you during these days. My mother had a severe medical condition begin in December 2018. When I had been sitting with her and began to leave one day, she was deeply studying the placement of the tents of the 12 tribes when they would set up camp around the tabernacle. Our parents’ faithfulness and our parents’ love for God’s Word truly give us strength. We love you.
Steve, many doctors and nurses have said that hearing is the last thing to go before a person dies so tell your mother now that you love her and she without acknowledging it will hear you say it. My prayers will continue for your mother and you and all the family. With love, Libby
Steve, my heart truly goes out to you and your family. The emptiness never goes away but that “I love you” will be yours forever. I am still holding tightly the hand I was privileged to hold and the hug with “I love you” too. Memories are precious for sure. Know that we love your family and are praying for comfort and healing in the days ahead.
So sorry for your loss, Steve! Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. One day, you will see your mother again.
This is really touching! No doubt a lot of great memories!
Steve, I feel your pain. I hope the knowledge that she was a Christian and that you will see her again will bring some comfort and peace to your heart in the days to come. Faye
So sorry! Prayers for the family. We’ve been using your writings for our bulletins at the Cameron Church of Christ, 2 Church St, Cameron, Wv.