Mom raised six kids. She gave birth to three of us. One was her niece, two were her grandkids, but all were hers. She was ready to go, except she didn’t want to leave “her kids”.

She loved keeping house, painting, playing her organ, singing, sewing, and flowers. Whatever she set her mind to, she never gave up until it was accomplished. Stubborn as the day is long. She was 78.

I praise and thank God for the nurses of Hospice of Southern West Virginia. They filled her final weeks with love and laughter and excellent care. I thank God especially for her devoted Care Aid, Heather, who became a dear friend to Mom and our whole family, serving as unto the Lord in all her patience and compassion. She truly cared for Mom as if she were her own mother, going far above and beyond!

Most of all, I thank God for the years we had Mom. She loved us with every ounce of her being and has earned her rest. She missed Dad an awful lot, and now she’s with him in the presence of Jesus, and all her burdens are lifted.

The rest of us will be along shortly, Mama. Congratulations on your graduation!