Mom about to go home

S

skvsr

New Member
Hey guys and gals - my brothers and sisters - I received some news this morning that has shaken me pretty badly. My mother's doctor has said it is time to call the family in. I thought she had gotten through this present crisis, but it is expanding. She expressed her wishes long ago not to be maintained by artificial means. The family will request a "do not resuscitate" order. She is in Shawnee, OK and we will be on our way as soon as possible. It is about a six to seven hour drive for us, so pray for the family's safety as we travel.

My mother married into an active ministry and has been a preacher's wife since. Since childhood, she has served the Lord, her church and community in many ways including being a nurse. Most of all she has served her family by teaching us the Way of the Cross.

She will be missed tremendously and will leave a huge whole when she is gone. However, her homecoming to heaven will be one of glory as she reunites with friends and family that have preceded her and most of all to be with her Lord and Savior for eternity. What a testimony!

With my heart in its present shape, I can hardly focus on writing much less playing WoW with any purpose. Be in prayer for my brothers and other family members who need to yet turn their hearts to the Lord.

Whatever, what a glorious day for my Mother! I do envy her, but realize we all have a purpose and time so I will abide mine willingly in The Lord’s service.
 
Sounds like she is a woman of God who you should very proud of. I hope the next few days can be one that you focus on the good things, and who she is, and celebrate a life well lived. Still, we know how tough that can be. Praying for you bro!
 
I hope your family gets there and back safely. I'm sorry to hear about your mother but at the same time I'm filled with joy to hear she knows the Lord. As Shagz said she sounds like a woman of character and someone to be proud of....you will see her again :)
 
Thanks for your care and prayers. I am truly proud of both of my parents and their ministry. I indeed have a rich heritage!
 
What a glorious homecoming this will be for her! To be in the presence of our King.. and to hear the words from his mouth "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." I'm tearing up a little right now thinking about it.

Praying for your family and your safety as you travel
 
blessings to you and your family Sam /prayers to help you through this difficult time. I lost my Mom last year, and though she was saved and I knew I would see her again one day, the parting can be painful. /praying
 
Thanks all for your prayer. We have made the trip to Shawnee, OK, safely. Mom is still with us!

While at the hospital today, I thought she was about to go because of the crisis she went through. Out of the situation, however, came a tremendous testimony. After the doctor had examined her, Mother spoke to him. "Doctor," and then paused to catch a raspy breath. She then went on, "I am in the throes of death" and took another breath. "But, I am in the hands of God."

Hardly a dry eye was in the over-crowded room. My younger brother was overwhelmed with sobs. The doctor was even moved and encouraged by Mom’s ministry to her family. Within a few minutes, she was praising the Lord and quoting Psalm 103:1, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” As she did, she raised her right hand toward heaven and held my hand with her left.

She then went on to sing in a stronger voice,
"Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus,
Sang as they welcomed His birth.
“Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth.”​

She continued to worship in song as we joined in singing with her. While she lifted her still feeble voice, several of us joined in: “Let me touch him, let me touch Jesus…” Her voice was still feeble and hoarse but stronger than I had heard since arriving.

She started calling for different of her children and saying something special to each of them. Those who were not present, one or the other of us would quickly call on our cell phones so she could speak to each one. We all honestly knew she was soon to go.

One of the problems of a weak heart is congestive heart failure which will cause fluid to gather in the lungs. After this strenuous exertion, some of that broke loose and she had a hard time coughing up anything and struggled in breathing - I knew her time was close. However, the activity and deep breathing helped her oxygen level to rise, and she soon was resting quietly. However, any change in position or moving can cause this same reaction so that she goes into strong coughing.

I am certain that by human efforts and knowledge, Mother’s time on earth could be measured in hours. However, there is something more going in this situation that the physical human part does not comprehend. It is, to coin a phrase, a thing called love. Mother is terribly in love with my father and does not want to leave him alone. God reassured her twelve years ago that she would be around for Daddy as long as needed. Dad will be 92 in June and is now suffering with dementia, so the assistance which my mother continues to provide is almost past usefulness. Mother’s birthday is Sunday – she will be 86 – and their 67th wedding anniversary is Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Perhaps it is their time to move on to live in their heavenly home, but if God is not done with them, in His infinite wisdom and love, He will continue to use them as faithful servants.

Someone asked Mother what she needed this afternoon. Her reply was that she needed God to work a miracle – a miracle so that she could see all of her children in heaven. And you know, that miracle may be occurring now as God is using this to soften the hardness of heart that continues to hold some of my brothers. Please join me in praying for that miracle.
 
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Your mother is a strong, spiritual woman. I am sure that she will be dearly missed. However, we can take hold in the fact that we will be reunited in Heaven with our loved ones and our Savior, Jesus Christ. One day, we will see His glory together and will rejoice in this wondrous occasion.

You have a strong family and an even stronger mother. She is a beacon of light to my life, as well as many others; im sure. We are lucky to have her as the light in this dark world.

Though there is much brightness in her testimony of life, there is still darkness and sorrow left behind in her absence. We live in a sinful world and deal with grief. We will continue in our prayers for you and your family.
 
sambeau, I lost my mother a little over a year ago the week before Christmas. I know a lot of what you are going through but I did not have the peace you have knowing where your mother's heart is. Unlike you, I never saw my mother walk through a church door. She was dead set against church. She grew up in Lutheran school where the teachers were the cliche of the catholic nuns. rapping your knuckles with rulers, etc. She promised herself she would never go to church again once she got out of school.

She always said she believed in God but had no use for churches.

Although I know how you feel at losing your mother, I envy your peace of mind in knowing where your mother will be. I still wonder about mine.

You, your mother, and your family are all in my prayers.
 
Another good report! Mother took a turn for the better today. She has been transferred to hospice care where she and Dad can be close to each other in a nursing home. Is this a last hour rally or not? We will see. At any rate, I am encouraged and trust that her passing will be much easier than it first appeared. Only God knows. However, Mother continues to rest in the arms of God!

Thanks for your prayer!
 
This morning, Monday, March 15, 2010, my mother, Mary Ella Walker Vanderburg, went home to be with her Lord and Savior. She will be missed by more than I can imagine because of the tremendous influence of her life and living. The reason for her influence was the total commitment she made to serving God which in turn lead her to serve others. This simple little Oklahoma girl became something many strive to be because she allowed God to mold and shape her life into what He wanted.

She turned 86 yesterday, March 14. Although she could not enjoy her birthday, today she joined in a tremendous celebration this morning in heaven. I am thankful for the heritage she leaves her family and especially to me. God has so blessed us in allowing us to have her for so many years.

Thank you for your prayerful support and encouragement during a very trying time. Now I ask that you would take a few minutes to pray for my family and ask the Lord to lead those who are not in a proper relationship with Him to turn their hearts and lives over to Lord and Savior. One brother hopefully has recommitted his life to the Lord and two more need to do the same.

Yes - I am numb from the shock that Mother is no longer with us, but I cannot say I totally regret her death for precious in the sight of the Lord are the deaths of His saints. I am so happy she is home! Yet, for the remainder of my life on this earth, there will be a void only my mother's kiss and hug can fill.

Thanks again for your prayerful support!
 
Thanks again for all of y'alls prayers. We have a wonder celebation of her life as well as her going home! If funerals could be rated, I would score it a perfect 10! We are back at home now - and tired of these long drives...

Blessings!
 
I'm sorry for your loss, and happy for her gain. Take comfort in knowing that it's only for a time that you will be separated before you are reunited as a family in His Kingdom!

John 16:16 "In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."

She is there seeing Him, it's just a little while until you will, too.
 
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