The week before she fell and broke her hip
I had taken Mama in for her regular check up
Then to my house for family dinner
On the way I had reached out to take her hand
And she wouldn’t let my hand go
The whole way home
Her hands used to bake the best bread I ever tasted
Her hands sewed the fancy little baby dresses
I wore as a wee one
The lace covered nightie with matching robe
She made for me the Christmas after Daddy left us
The wedding dress and veil I wore
As a nineteen year old bride
Her hands are now twisted with arthritis
And lay against white hospital sheets
With I.V. drips going into her veins
My house is decorated for Christmas
But instead of shopping, baking, and the usual holiday preparations
I sit with my siblings and ride the roller coaster
Of the daily ups and downs of Mama’s fragile health
And we take turns holding our Mama’s hand
In the hospital room
And we won’t let Mama’s hand go
The whole way home
Still following,
Elizabeth
update~ As I sit next to Mama’s bed as she naps I am amazed at her improvement over the past two days. I believe this is a direct result of all of your prayers. Thank you kind friends! When she came to the hospital my siblings and I thought she just may be going home to heaven, but she is definitely much improved since then.
Continuing to pray for your mama - and for you, my friend. I'm there with you in spirit. I remember how precious my father's hands were to me in his later years. How precious are your Heavenly Father's hands - and they are holding you close!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs your way,
~Adrienne~
Will be praying for your Mother ....
ReplyDeleteand your family
What a sweet post. Praying for your mother and family.
ReplyDeletethis beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnd i pray along with everyone else.
Praise the Lord! As her days, so shall
ReplyDeleteher strength be on this earth until
He calls her home. Rest in His care
and know that He loves your mama
even more than you do.
Blessings,
Sandy
it's hard to leave a comment with the screen all blurry.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful mother you have! And what a beautiful daughter you are. Praying for you both...
ReplyDeletebeautiful hand holding.
ReplyDeleteprayers for you, your mama, & all of yours,
-t-
Praying for all of you, sweet friend. How lovely your mother is! Like mother, like daughter.
ReplyDeleteThere is something so different, but so precious, about sitting next to someone in the hospital during the advent season. For all our efforts to incorporate meaningful activities into our Christmas preparations, there's nothing quite like being in the presence of one who needs Jesus to come, ris'n with healing in His wings. Blessings to you and your sweet mama.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, when I saw the title of this, I feared different news than that in the update. I am grateful that she has seen some improvement.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful, beautiful post. I can feel the love in every line. I remember the roller coaster very well. I'm lifting you for comfort and strength and a strong sense of the presence of Him who is holding YOUR hands the whole way home.
I love this...it brought tears...the waiting room...had both with my parents...dad recovered and is doing well after quad bypass now 11 years ago and mama is well with jesus...praying for you as i remember the Christmas before she died in the hospital...
ReplyDeletethanks for your daughter, mama and jesus heart:)
the last line... oh, that last line.... i am bawling. dear, dear elizabeth... how brave of your mama, to keep mothering so well, after hubby left her... oh, what strength of character i see in her lines, in her hands. this was so beautiful. a treasure. love to you. i hope she keeps improving, so you might enjoy christmas with her. xo (just so you know, this will be the final imperfect prose until the new year--thanks so much for linking!)
ReplyDelete*tear* oh such beautiful writing and such a beautiful picture!
ReplyDeleteYour words made me cry. There is such joy in this precious face, and love in your words--a reminder of what is really important at Christmas and every day--our relationships, the ones we love. Enjoy your mom and hold her hand as long as you can! Sweet peace and blessings to you.
ReplyDelete