It always takes me a few days to process one Christmas memory that I have tucked in the “too-tough-to-handle-on-Christmas-Day” section. It has to do with my mom…
On December 25th, 1995, my children and I visited my mom in the hospital. The second stroke she had resulted in pneumonia. I have had to forgive those involved in that nursing home disaster many times over… once again, today! The staff said she had a “stroke-rattle.” Nobody bothered to check until I insisted… by then it was too late.
I knew Mom hated being trapped in a body that was unable to function or talk normally. I knew that she would fight to live unless we gave her the freedom to go Home. So, Christmas afternoon, we gathered around her in the hospital room with some very dear friends who joined us to sing carols and to pray with Mom. We opened her gifts for her. We laughed as she made some very funny faces and rolled her eyes at some of those gifts. Then I asked each child to say good-bye to her. I never asked what they said to her. I only knew that the process would be important. We were all aware of the gravity of the situation.
When it was my turn, I kissed her forehead and told her that I would stand with her if she wanted to battle this pneumonia. I knew that she was a fighter. I also told her that I would understand if she wanted to be with Daddy. He had been in Heaven twenty-three years by that time. I made it clear that the decision was hers and that we would plan to come back after we finished Christmas dinner.
It was dark outside as we finished praying and began our Christmas meal. There was little celebration that strange Christmas Day. I remember talking quietly and being jerked back to reality as the insistent ring of our phone filled the air. The dining room grew silent as all heads turned toward it.
Instantly, its sound pierced my very soul. I knew Mom had made her decision. I knew it was the hospital calling to tell me that the woman I knew… my lovely, vibrant mom… was gone. But, just as quickly, I realized what a wonderful reunion she was having! Not only was she seeing my dad, along with her mom, dad and sister, but she had gone Home on Christmas Day!!! She would be able to party with Jesus and tell Him how very much she treasured his most amazing Gift!!! Her timing was perfect…! Perfect for her was not necessarily perfect for us…
And so, every year on Christmas night, I push the thoughts of Mom’s last Christmas with us out of my mind and I revel in the family we have left here on Earth. I promise myself that I will visit Christmas Night, 1995, over the next few days and I never forget…
I will always miss you, Mom! Your beauty, your spirit, your insight, your sense of style, your love and laughter will ring in my heart until I see you again. Send my love to everyone, especially Jesus, Who has made the joy of seeing you all again, a reality…!