Is There Something You Need To Say?

Mom is in late stage Alzheimer’s, but she knew me today.

She lives in Franklin, so Sheila and I stopped by to visit her on our way home from Southeast Christian Church’s Passion Play. You can’t predict when Alzheimer victims will have one of their “good” days, so I was thrilled that we found Mom lucid and happy.

Have you ever thought about what you’d say to your mother, if you had the power to choose your last words to her? What would you say?

I know the day will come when my mother will hear my words, but she won’t recognize they are from me. She won’t know my words are for her and she won’t grasp their full meaning.  That day is coming and I don’t know when it’ll arrive.

So today I sat on Mom’s bed, held her hand, and told her some truths about her life’s impact.  No one should die without knowing their children love them, their witness for Jesus advanced His Kingdom, or the way they lived encouraged and inspired others.

I told Mom about my sister and brother; I told her stories about the great things they are doing. I told her their marriages are strong and their kids are awesome. I told her she did a good job raising her kids. I told her I was proud of her.

I told Mom I was glad she took us to church and taught us about Jesus. I told her the nurses said she was “really nice” and “always so positive.” I told her how much she mattered.  Remembering what she had told me a thousand times, I parroted her words back to her, “You’re doing a good job. Keep doing what’s right.”

What do you think really matters at the end of your days on earth?  What will you value? What will have significance?

For Mom, what matters is clear; it’s her kids and her faith.  I was reminded of her values when we were leaving and her parting words were, “I’ve got good kids.”

“’Cause of you and Jesus,” I said.

“Right,” she said.

Mom rolled over to take a nap as we slipped out of her room.

She’s tired. She’s really tired.

Sleep well Mom. 

You are loved.

Proverbs 17:6  -  Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

Comments

[Becky Hunter]

Mark I love this. Thank you for reminding mom how much you, Matt and I and our families all have benefited from her long and faithful walk with Jesus. I believe she rests now with sweet memories. What a blessing of a life well lived. I hope if someone reading this blog doesn't have a the blessing of such a faithful Christian parent that they will choose to be that kind of person for their children. What a gift we each have the ability to offer to the next generation.
I'm so glad you and Matt are my brothers and I know Mom's so grateful to have you as one of her two awesome sons.

[God's Truly!]

Thanks for sharing this momment with us Pastor Beeson. Since I have moved to Southbend I havent spent much time with my mother. I think about her everyday but it seems I have been to caught up in my own little world, trying to get back on my feet again. Thanks again for sharing.

[joann bennett]

Your mom is very special and she certainly did, with Jesus' help, raise three God-loving kids. What a legacy she will leave with all her grandkids also. May God continue to hold her in His arms at this time of her life. Love, Joann

[James Kytta]

Mark,
I feel for you Brother. My Mother is at Southfield and in poor health. Like your Mom she has good days and bad. Everytime I see her I tell her I love her and we talk about the " Good old days " with lots of laughter. Before I leave I pray with her with the assurance that Jesus is with her 24/7. As with my Dad I ask Jesus why she has to continue to suffer and to take her home in peace, but God's wisdom is beyond mine:
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
I will pray for your Mom, please pray for mine. God bless.

James

[Dan Vukmirovich]

Beautiful, my friend. A reminder and challenge.

[Amber Cox]

Dad,
I love grandma's painted fingernails in that picture. Great shot of your hands. It's really special.

[Johnny Carr]

I love your blog Pastor Beeson. I love how you love people. I love how you love your wife and children. I love how you love your friends. How you love your family. How you love your life. How you love Jesus Christ. You set a good example to us all...God Is Love!