Tuesday, March 04, 2014

H is for Hope

H is for Hope (and G is for Grandma).

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

Last year at this time I wrote a post on hands and hearts. The hands in the photo were my mom's. I am grateful for each and every picture I took of my mom. Although I miss her, and will for the rest of my life, I wouldn't wish her back. She's free and happy now with Jesus. It's where she wanted to be, and she left us the gift of shadows on the wall when heaven's door cracked open to let out a bit of light on Monday. She talked of going home, and saw relatives who had gone on before her. It was a little confusing at the time, and even a bit disconcerting, but on Thursday morning it all made sense. Today it gives us hope.

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23 comments:

  1. And Hope is just the best thing ever! :)

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  2. And I'm grateful that you took care of her for the past few years. Thank you doesn't seem adequate.

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    1. I am thankful too, I only wish I'd hugged her more and prayed with her every night. I didn't do either near enough. If I had, the job would have been much easier.

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    2. Don't think of the what if's and if only's. You provided her with a wonderful home, a place where she felt comfortable and loved. When she was here once a month for a weekend, she always wondered when she was going back to your house, and I tried to make it as comfortable as possible for her here. I loved her too. Thank you so much, Martha. Instead of thinking about what you "wish" you did, think about all you DID do...that's a lot. She knows you loved her.

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    3. I know she loved me, and I know she wouldn't want any of us to live with "what if's" and "if only's". Just can't believe we've come to the end of the tunnel already. Now there is another one who needs us and I know we can do the job of loving him too. Loving Tim and being there for him is another way to honor Mom and Dad. You have done an outstanding job being there the past four years. I intend to stand with you from here on.

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  3. “It's better to die in pursuit of your dreams than to live a life without hope.”

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  4. We have this same hope. My mom went to be with her savior Jesus in September of this year.

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    1. Where would we be without hope? Where would we be without Jesus? He is our peace.

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  5. Hope, it's what we hold on to.
    Isn't it wonderful to know where your Mom is?
    I am sorry for your loss and I know you will always miss her but you cared for her, and that's part of the peace that passes understanding.

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    1. Hope is what we hold onto, and if not for hope, there would be no peace that passes understanding. Yes, it is wonderful.

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  6. Yeah. My mom died 3 years ago (where did the time go?)
    And yeah, don't be too hard on yourself.

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    1. Reminds me of the scripture that says, "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."
      I'll be okay. Any regrets can be turned into lessons and words of encouragement to others. Somehow God is able to take sadness and turn it into joy.

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  7. I have seen a few people die and none had a frown on their face when they breathed their last.

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    1. I love you, Abe. Be sure you're ready when the time comes.
      And you're right about that seat in the church. Somebody should have given theirs up to you when you were a boy and so desperately needed people in the church to love you.

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  8. what a lovely smile she had. from what I've read here, you helped make your mom's life full of love. I wish you peace in your heart.

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  9. my condolences. My mom died 12 years ago and my dad 7 years ago. I can't believe it's been that long - I feel them with me at times.

    Leslie
    abcw team

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    1. Thank you, Leslie.
      Time goes way too fast. It's already been a week. And yes, there are times when I can almost feel my mom and dad here too.

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  10. My Dad kept seeing glimpses of Heaven and would say how BEAUTIFUL it was. Glad you have these photos of your Mom and blessed memories.
    Ann

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    1. I have great relief in knowing she was getting those glimpses, and we have many cherished photos and memories.
      Thank you for your encouraging words.

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