Mum – an update, and Psalm 23

We have had an emotional few days coming to terms with the fact my Mum has had a massive stroke.

However I thank God that we have been given these extra days with her, that she can see us and hold our hands so very tightly.

I have always loved my Mum, but probably not said it enough. I am able to stroke her hair the way she did when I was wee, and reassure her, and tell her how much she means to me. Even though she can’t speak, I can see in her beautiful blue eyes that she knows it too.

I treasure the last conversations we had together. We chatted on the phone last week, just about the everyday stuff. She and my Dad would read this blog and just recently she told how proud she was of how I shared my Christian faith through my blog. I want to continue to make her proud.

I want to keep it real here. There have been LOTS of tears. I know ultimately we will be together in heaven, but this part of the journey is so hard.

Our family has really appreciated the love and prayers from everyone.

Please continue to pray for Mum that she will have a peace about what is happening, and that we can all cherish this time we can spend together.

Pray for my Dad too, it is both beautiful and tough to see their love in their eyes, even though there aren’t any words. They have been married 50 years, 3 children, 8 grandchildren.

This photo was taken last May when we had time away as a family to celebrate Mum’s 80th birthday.

As a child, when I couldn’t sleep, Mum would softly sing Psalm 23 (to the tune Crimond) as she stroked my head, then would gently leave and head downstairs, still singing. I have found comfort in these words

 Psalm 23

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want.

He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again;
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
Even for His own Name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear none ill;
For Thou art with me; and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnished
In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling place shall be.