We lost our Nana today. For those of you who don't know, Nana is Paul's mom. She's been on a long, painful cancer journey. None of us know how she was able to endure so much for so long. Only--yes we do. The Lord, the Lord, the Lord. Praise God she was His child! He sustained her and gave her deep joy and put a smile on her face and blessed her with a large family and comforted her (when distance or illness wouldn't let her be with her children and grandchildren) and was her Companion when she was alone and gifted her with many true, true friends (who quite literally took care of her) and gave her strength and proved Himself faithful.
I am drained to empty after this very long day. It is, in a word, surreal...as I write this on HER computer in HER house with HER things all around me. I expect to hear her padding down the hallway in her houseshoes with her coffee cup--going for a refill. I expect to see her "propped up" (as she always said) in her bed, laughing at something the kids are doing or saying. I expect and WANT her to pat the bed next to her and tell me to climb up there beside her so we can talk. Things will never ever be the same.
I am drained to empty after this very long day. It is, in a word, surreal...as I write this on HER computer in HER house with HER things all around me. I expect to hear her padding down the hallway in her houseshoes with her coffee cup--going for a refill. I expect to see her "propped up" (as she always said) in her bed, laughing at something the kids are doing or saying. I expect and WANT her to pat the bed next to her and tell me to climb up there beside her so we can talk. Things will never ever be the same.
Please pray for my children...and for Paul...and...for all of us.
Oh Lori (and Paul!) - I am so sorry for your loss. On April 21st, it will be one year since Lowell's mother has been gone. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her and miss her and want to pick up the phone to call her. Please know that you, Paul, and the kids will be in our prayers. Thank God she also loved Jesus. I pray He will sustain you guys and heal your hearts from this pain. Love you!!
ReplyDeleteyou're never far from our thoughts...and of course, always in our prayers. the miles between us make us even more sad right now - as we would certainly be there for your whole family. may God wrap His loving arms around you guys and guide your decisions in the days ahead.
ReplyDeleteall our love,
mere & family
Words really can't express the depth of "missing" that goes with losing a Nana or a mom. I've watched Rowland lose both parents and grandparents, and I am so amazed at how God has comforted him and walked him through "the valley of the shadow of death." My children still cry at times for their Papa and Neena, and I can still hear MeMaw's "woo-hoo." I will definitely be praying for you and Paul and especially for Noah and Saylor as I imagine it will be hardest for them. May God hold you all tightly and may He remind you of many funny, precious times.
ReplyDeleteI know you are all in shock, and I can't begin to imagine all the emotions you're feeling. We are so grateful that Paul's Mom is now with Jesus, and that her suffering has ended. We love you all and are praying for God's comfort as you grieve. We love you so much.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Sharon. She seemed light-hearted and always had that same smile on her face. I will miss her presence at the birthday parties. One particular conversation I remember having with her (at Noah's car party, I think)...she was talking about being a mom and a mother-in-law and what great respect she had for you, Lori, as the woman taking care of her son and grandchildren. She talked about how she wanted to be a good mother-in-law to you. I don't remember everything she said, but I know after the converstion, I thought...how very nice she feels that way. I'm so very sorry that she is gone - yes, it is surreal, and I praise the Lord, too, that she kept such faith throughout and is with Him now.
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