Day 11 - Adventure *Journeying with Jesus*Saying Thank You*

The way we remember visiting Mom B.

SO, we’ve visited with Mom B... though we’re not sure she knows.  We hope she knows that she is loved and cared for and never alone.  We kissed her head, brushed her hair, read Scripture over her, anointed her forehead with oil and prayed blessings of peace and comfort over her entrusting her to the care of ministering angels (Psalm 34:7 & Hebrews 1:14) and the Good Shepherd Himself.

Our visits to her bedside might be more for our own well-being in future days – no regrets.  Though we want Mom B to know we love her and we’re with her, we pray she is not consciously aware of her circumstances.  We pray she is only aware of Jesus’ Presence carrying her toward the finish line of her life’s journey. 

Though it’s awfully difficult to see Mom B in her lowly estate, we’re the out of town children who come in for a weekend and then return to our regular lives for a few weeks until we return again to visit.  We carry the sadness and questions, the grieving for her in our hearts, but we don't bear the heaviness of the daily visits, discussions with nurses, and decisions.  We don't bear the weight of daily watching and waiting for a glimmer of hope.

But what of the older brother and his wife, who live nearby?  They are the heroes, the servants, for whom we give thanks!  Daily they ride the roller coaster of good days and bad, making the hard decisions and putting a big portion of their own lives on hold…waiting.  They do not use the word burden nor hardship.  They love Mom B and they carry out their roles with dignity and honor, loyalty and love.  

So, our visits to Mom B have become an opportunity for us to encourage and thank the older brother and his wife.  We are not wearing their shoes.  We don’t know the stress of their days here with Mom B, participating on the front line.  Our desire is to be a blessing each time we’re in town – a blessing of love and unity, a blessing of encouragement to keep going.  And not just when we're in town.  STFM is a wonderful listener.  He is a sounding board for his older brother continuously stating our support for his decisions on behalf of Mom B.

Our last big family celebration in May 2014 - Lee and Sue's 50th !

Older brother and wife, you have and continue to care well for Mom B.  You are carrying out your responsibilities with loyalty and faithfulness.  We bless you both to come into a place of rest having no regrets.  We bless you to receive the JOY of the LORD who is your strength.  We bless you with hearts of gratitude knowing the Good Shepherd sees you caring for His delicate lamb, Mom B, and He is smiling!

Thank You, Father, for allowing us to walk through this shadowy place with peace, each participating in the roles You've placed before us.  Father, we ask for You to do in Your children what only You can do to bear great fruit for Your Kingdom - the result of family love, unity and bonds of peace - in the name of Jesus, Your Son, and for His glory alone!  Amen.

Blessings of Great JOY on this amazing adventure journey with Jesus, 

Lisa