These are 2 of my mom's favorite hymms, and mine too.
Most of you have heard by now our sad news.
Mom passed into heaven this morning.
Lots of tears all around.
Sorry, I didn't post Saturday when things changed. She apparently got very agitated Friday night, and Dad got no sleep at all. We made the choice to call in 24/7 hospice critical care nurses, knowing we were nearly there. We opted to not go back to the hospital for end stage hospice, we were happy having her at home.
Most of yesterday she was mostly sedated, but she would still moan in pain. We were able to give more medications as we felt it was necessary to keep her comfortable. Her blood pressure kept dropping. When we left last night, it was around 50/30.
I got a call from Dad this morning about 7 AM, saying that they could no longer register her blood pressure, but she was still breathing. We raced over as fast as we could get out of PJ's.
She was still with us for a while, we got to take turns sitting and holding her hands and talking to her. We all reassured her that we kept our promise, she was never alone through the whole time. Around 9:30, she was gone.
Lots of tears. But, ya know? There is a lot of rejoicing.
No more pain. No more testing. No more surgery. Just eternal happiness and praise.
We swear, she is already organizing a stamping party in heaven, and has joined the welcome committee.
Currently we are planning on the service being Friday at 10 am at Christ Chapel Bible Church, at 30 and Montgomery in Fort Worth, but I will confirm that tomorrow after the church office is open.
We kids (all 4 of us, Pete loved her so much) went with Dad to the funeral home to help pick everything out. We then headed to the mall, because Dad didn't have a suit and Hailey left her stuff at school. Everything is now taken care of.
I have repeatedly asked for prayer, and I know that. Now, I will ask for prayer for us. Like King David said in 2 Samuel, "22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."
We feel so much pain right now. And so much more in the days to come. But right now, for the moment at least, there is peace.
Shortly after she passed, before they came to get her body to take to the funeral home (another experience I would opt out of EVER doing again, BTW), Pete and I were sitting on the stairs, crying. God brought to mind a beautiful song, a version of Amazing Grace that Chris Tomlin sings. Buy it on iTunes, seriously. The chorus, which I have had running through my head all day says "My chains are gone, I've been set free. 'Cuz God my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood, His mercy reigns. Unending Love, Amazing Grace." Makes me cry even just typing it. Her chains are GONE!!! She is FREE!!!
Thank you, God, for ending her pain and suffering. I know You will comfort us as we begin ours.
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All our love and continued prayers. If we can do anything at all for you, just let us know.
ReplyDeleteYou do not know me but I worked with Donna for 3 years in Castleberry ISD from 2003 to 2006. She was a precious person who I always loved to see coming because she was coming to fix my computer!!! Its so comforting to know she stands in the presence of Jesus, healed and complete!!! Please know my prayers are with you and your family during this time.
ReplyDeleteJohanna Chapman
Nicole...those scriptures are the very ones our pastor preached from last night!!!
ReplyDeleteI am gonna go buy that song now..because I gotta hear it! Prayers are being said for you and family. I am so glad she was not alone at any point, that is my one regret about my mom, they had moved her from the hospital to the nursing home, dad was not allowed to stay, and she passed during that short amount of time...I wonder all the time if she was afraid? something you and your family will never have to woder about. Donna was very blessed to have the wonderful family! Thank you again for keeping us informed.
Don't delete this blog, Nic. Your words are so beautiful. We're going to be thinking of you guys and praying for you during these coming days.
ReplyDeleteNicole, it is such another example of Gods grace to have read about the song that you thought of today. I got up this morning with this song in my head,(it is one of my favorites) and was singing it while cooking breakfast. I just stopped in my tracks and said " God, youre taking Donna home today, arent you". About an hour later is when Eric called me.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that you all got to be with her and were able to keep your promise. She is very fortunate to have such a loving family but I guess, really, that would be expected considering who your Mom is. You are all the adults she and your Dad raised you to be and I know she is prouder of you than anything else she ever did.
I thank each of you for allowing those of us who could, to spend a little time with her. I know how precious these last days have been and that each moment was considered a blessing. I appreciate you sharing them with us.
You all did an awesome job of taking care of her through all of this, now it's time to let friends and family take care of you for a while. Rest in the love of our Savior, and know that all of us are praying a protective hedge around your family filled with peace, grace and love. Our God IS an awesome god, and she is home.
Dear Nicole and Peter,
ReplyDeleteI just want you to know that Chris and I are thinking of you and praying for you. Your mom sounds like she was an amazing woman, and God is using her story to reach others. I pray that you have comfort and peace in these next days and weeks.
Love
Laura Davison
Hi Nicole. I just saw this today. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family. I remember facing these days with my family. It was in these moments that the LORD truly revealed how powerful his peace and strength are.
ReplyDeleteLots of love and prayers.
Kristin Warthen