It’s been four years since I wrote this post. And life has changed so much. Mama is with Jesus this year, her second Resurrection Day in the glory of His presence. Daddy is in hospice care now and my mother-in-law lives with us but doesn’t know who we are.
But a dear grandson was born on Monday! And a sweet granddaughter was born a month ago! Now we have four grandchildren to hold close and cherish as we watch Daddy fade from us.
Life can change so much in just a few years. In just a few days. In just a few moments. Now is the time to love those who are with us. Today is the day the Lord has made. Today we rejoice even through tears.
And we especially rejoice because we know that Jesus made a future for all who believe and trust in Him.
This Resurrection Day looks different from the past. But we know someday Jesus will return for His children and all who know Him will be gathered together again. Then Mama will delight in her great-grandchildren and we will all be together at the Feast and what a celebration that will be!
Until then I will rejoice in the blessings God has given me this day. And the meaning of this holy season. And if tears mingle with my smiles, I know my Abba Father understands.
Last Easter I learned another lesson from my parents. After church all my children, my parents, and my mother-in-law came over for the afternoon. Mom was okay while she was eating and even said she liked the food. But before and after the meal she was restless.
She kept asking what we should do. She wanted to go home. She wanted to go see her mama and daddy. She wanted dad to drive her home. She wanted to walk home. It was pretty distracting. We sang with her. I found a story for her to read. These things helped while they lasted, but then she wanted to go.
Dad answered her by saying, “When we get home you’ll just ask where everyone is. And you’ll want to come over here.” He didn’t want to leave. He wanted to stay until we had cake and ice cream. He wanted to doze…
View original post 275 more words
God's Grace and Life's Challenges 
Of all the books and blogs and articles I’ve read about having/losing a loved one with Alzheimer’s, yours has been the biggest blessing. Sometimes it makes me cry, sometimes it makes me smile, but always it makes me thankful that God’s timing is perfect. Thank you for sharing from your heart.
Wow, Rhonda! Thank you so much! You’ve blessed my heart!
And Congratulations on those precious new grandchildren! They do put some serious HAPPY into everyday!
They DO! Thank you so much! God bless you!
Thank you so much for this…My Dad, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for 16 years, passed away last month and this is the first of the firsts…our first Easter without him. When my children were at home, we enjoyed Easter at my Mom and Dad’s house with huge Easter Egg Hunts, lots of food, and lots of love. Mom died in 2005 at 67 and Dad’s last year at my house for Easter was in 2016 since it had become too difficult to take him from his home at a local Memory Care Center. We all know that life changes and we have to adjust to them but sometimes it is too fresh to remember to rejoice in the wonderful past moments of our lives. I know that I will get there and know that I will one day rejoice again with my Mom and Dad in Heaven. God bless you!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Cheryl. You’re right, sometimes the pain is too fresh. Those first holidays after the loss of a loved one are challenging. Rest in our Abba’s loving care. He is tender and faithful and His mercies are new every morning.
God bless you, too! ~Cheryl
God Bless you. So happy for God’s promise to be reunited with our loved ones and with Him! He Risen!
He is risen indeed!