In 1995 my mom suffered a massive stroke which left her totally debilitated. Unable to stand, sit alone, walk, or feed herself, 24 hour-a-day care was compulsory since my dad and I opted to keep her at their home. Sharing the exact same birthday, they were 77 years of age. Therefore, Dad could not assist her personally because he, too, was battling heath issues, but willingly ran errands and transported the daytime caretaker while I stayed each night. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Very slowly Mother's physical and mental condition deteriorated, but considering her whole dependence upon others, she lived an acceptable life. In 2002 when her once ravishing appetite began to wane so that malnutrition reared its ugly head, she plunged into a rapid descent. Infections, anemia, pneumonia, and major skin breakdowns prompted the insertion of a feeding tube. For 10  months she received nourishment which helped somewhat, but a new routine had ensued. Before, a hospitalization yearly was the average. With the deluge of new problems, more time was spent in the medical facility than at home. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me..." Psalm 138:7a

A week before Christmas my mom digressed to the point that death was imminent. Our family was gathered around her bed, expecting each labored breath to be her last. Her tired eyes opened and as she looked up toward the room's ceiling, a broad, sweet smile etched her tender face as she called out so articulately, "Mama, Mama, Papa, Papa." Because she had not spoken in months, we were amazed. At the same time, what a thrill to know that God was allowing her to peek at the glories of Heaven and surely, a glimpse of her beloved parents. How could I ever choose to keep her earthbound? Witnessing that miracle loosened my grip and enabled me to let go. Mother rallied and lived another 10 months until the angels quietly escorted her Home as she peacefully slept. "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalm 119:18

During the 7 years and 5 months of my mom's illness, our focus was on her needs and seemingly, Daddy was faring well, having had four different malignancies. As time passed, the onset of diabetes presented an uncharted path, in addition to extremely poor circulation in his legs and the ultimate blow, congestive heart failure. Determined to be there for his beloved, I watched him struggle to get through the day, never compaining, until he could hide his pain and discomfort no longer. As my sister and I anticipated, once Mom was gone, Dad gave up. No more reason to fight the maladies which had plagued his 85 year old body. Every day, post funeral, tearfully he would tell me, "I just have to go and be with her." For a second time in less than a year, I positively knew that God was again prepping me for the departure of my other parent. My dad, just like my mom, had made preparations to meet God by accepting His Son as Saviour. What a joy and delight to know that our earthly separation would only be temporary since I, too, am a Christian. "...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5b

Swiftly, Dad became homebound, mobile via wheelchair. His mental abilities started to fade in and out. Two weeks prior to the new year he was hospitalized, becoming incoherent and disoriented. Repeatedly, he attempted to climb over the bed rail which necessitated someone being bedside continuously. Little did I realize that the situation would worsen, culminating in his Heavenly flight. "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." Psalm 73:26

How wonderfully God's unlimited grace sustained me as I tended Daddy's needs and sought to make those last days as comfortable and peaceful as possible. Knowing his fierce urge to join Mother thwarted my inclinations to hold him back. Dare I deprive him of his wish, of a new body, a celestial home, and living in eternal light with his Creator? "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15

On May 1, 2003 my dad was admitted to the hospital for the last time. Two days before, he began to sleep incessantly and this pattern was uninterrupted until May 8 when he graduated to Heaven. Not once during this coma did he respond, talk, or eat. As death crept closer and vital signs became weaker by the hour, I began to pray, begging God for a smile. If only he, too, could open those eyes and see what my mother had seen--his destination and those who were eagerly awaiting his arrival! My hurt and the heartwrenching sorrow of letting go would be lessened. Over and over as I held his hand in mine, my rote prayer was, "Please, dear God, let him smile before You take him. "...but I give myself unto prayer." Psalm 109:4b

When the doctor alerted us that he could die at any time, my sister, my son, and I were keeping vigil. As was our custom the last few days, I sat on one side with Dad's hand in mine, with his younger daughter across the bed clasping the other. Still trusting God for an answer to my persistent prayer, I relentlessly interceded for that last smile. My sister began to shout, "Look, look, he's squeezing my hand!" Raising my head to peer in her direction, I witnessed his weak, little fingers slowly giving her hand an unmistakable squeeze. Once, then twice. Then I felt a slight movement on my hand. With bended head, my eyes and heart saw him repeat this treasured effort for me. We knew positively that he was saying goodbye and assuring us that all was well. "Thou art the God that doest wonders..." Psalm 77:14a

My Father gave me far more than I had requested--I asked for a smile, but He gifted me with a never-to-be forgotten hand hug. "Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips." Psalm 21:2

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