Last Words

In the lushness of Spring, I walked in the early morning, reveling in the chorus of song birds. It was only a few months ago when winter’s cold hand closed the last rose of summer. This morning I counted three buds, ready to burst forth. Seasons come and go. And we wonder….how long do I have to walk this earth.

Some view death as a finality, an ending. A taboo subject. Something to be avoided at all cost. Mom viewed death as a welcome escape from pain and suffering and searched for an ‘exit lane’ to Heaven. When her last Christmas came, she said, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if I could go Home to Heaven at Christmas Time?”

Fourteen years ago God called my mother home. Anna Daisy would have been 105 years old now. She left a file cabinet of her writing behind. A file of her words. Just last week on my computer, I found a document called “Last Words About Death”, written in 1993/1994 when Mom was 86 years old. Curious, I printed out the document and read it all. I want to share parts with you, as she shared then with her dear Secret Sister who continues to be my friend.

On January 1, 1994, Mother wrote, Every year should begin with prayer and I have a thousand reasons to thank my Father this morning. So it is good to bring my Thank You’s to Him. Since I cannot sing too well at 86, I shall write a review of Psalms 147 as my song of praise.

My Wonderful Father in Heaven, I marvel that you have time to watch over me, to guide my days, and to comfort me when heartaches come. I know how busy you are!

The inability to draw a deep breath in her ‘exit lane’ illness created discomfort for the slightest physical exertion. It became impossible to pray aloud because of the ‘brick’ she felt in her lungs. Yet she praised God that her ‘exit lane’ did not consist of an accident, cancer or other painful ‘exits’ from this life.

To continue...You must laugh at powerful planes, at straining athletes or large bank accounts. What truly gives you pleasure? A child-like faith in One who tries to please and delight you – like an obedient child pleases a parent and more. We sit in our warm homes to watch white snow create marvelous scenes on summer-burnt gardens. You can change our lives like that – from chaos to beauty.

We have seen your fury in ice-storms that cause havoc. We have lived through tornadic winds. But we also experience the rebirth of beauty each spring. How great and wonderful you are!

You gave your promises to Abraham and Isaac and repeated them to Jacob. They came true. Now all who believe in “David’s Son’ have become children of Abraham. We are that blessed seed. Listen to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:15 – “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”

My Wonderful Father in Heaven, I marvel that you have time to watch over me, to guide my days, and to comfort me when heartaches come. I know how busy you are! Not only are you busy with human beings and their problems but you look at your created universe to count and name each star – to set each twinkling light into its place. That is awesome.

You heal all human hurts and bandage broken relationships to give us spiritual families in Jesus. Not only are you busy with human beings and their problems but you look at your created universe to count and name each star – to set each twinkling light into its place. That is awesome.

Not even the wisest scientist can do that. And so many so-called experts try to refute your wisdom and power. We know your strength, insight and wisdom are without limit. You alone have power to light up weak and lowly people to places of honor and worth. and you alone can take care of drug lords or wicked rulers in your time.

We know your strength, insight and wisdom are without limit. You alone have power to light up weak and lowly people to places of honor and worth.

Mother, always determined, remembered that her role was to minister and serve to the end, in Jesus’ Name. Always her words were of praise to God and asking for forgiveness. And acceptance of her pain.

Two thousand years ago, during the suffering Jesus endured in the mock trials, the scourging, the pain of the nails in his hands and feet, the six inch thorned crown he wore, sthe torture of each breath, His constant words were: Forgive them for they know not what they do.

Last prayers and last words are remembered. The childhood rhyme of ‘sticks and stones’ is a myth. Words mean much and they show our heart. Frustration and anger causes feelings to be expressed in words that are the antithesis to prayerful praise and patience.

And Father, just for me, I am so tired of living on this earth. You made it all so beautiful, but Father, my tent is torn and leaky. Polish me quickly so I’ll be ready for home. I’m weary of pain, weakness and a body that does not function properly. Forgive give me for weeping on your shoulder when I should be praising you.

Thank you for all your angel-help through 87 years. (Four years before her death) My mate, who is waiting – for my three children and their children and their 29 children. Poppa and I used to pray together that we wanted all of them to be Your children. I still want all of them there with all your available help….all this I and more I pray in Jesus’ Name.

Thank you, Mother, for your ‘last words’. My prayer is this: May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14