Grace and Hot Fudge Sundaes

 

"You have put gladness in my heart..."

Psalm 4:7a


"Rejoice in the Lord always.

Again I will say, rejoice!"

Philippians 4:4


I endeavor not to pluck verses from the Bible out of their context. However, Psalm 4:7 perfectly captures the state of my soul after spending the afternoon and evening with mom and dad and my son, James, as well as, Ann's caregivers [Alma and Fany].  Other family members came and went during the afternoon/evening yesterday too. Mom was also up to FaceTime with my daughter, Katherine and her wife, Laura from across the pond in England.

This post won't be long but it is filled with a heart of gratitude and wonder at the mercies of my Abba. When I visited mom and dad last Tuesday I truly thought we could be looking at Ann's final days, and especially considering what the hospitalist told us the Thursday mom came home from Mission Hospital. Due to the roller coaster-y nature of a person being at "end of life" stage, things can shift dramatically from one day to the next.

I believe in answer to the abundance of prayers sent heavenward for both mom & dad, that God has graced mom and those who so dearly love her with a bit more time. Not only more time, but quality time as well. Yesterday was filled with more reminiscing, laughter and Ann enjoying another hot fudge sundae. Dad prepared it and Denny, Ann's older brother, gladly fed it to her. (Most of it went in her mouth but as the ice cream melted... well, let's just say that its a good thing napkins were placed to keep mom's bedsheet clean. 😂)

Dad demonstrating how to eat a hot fudge sundae or perhaps making sure the fudge wasn't too hot for mom.

The big brother feeding his "little" sister. 😊

Denny and his wife, Sue with Mom. 💗


Ann was alert and responsive to all of us. She has a good appetite (for more nourishing foods as well) and her pain seems to be well managed on the whole. Yippee skippee! Alma and Fany continue to be such a gift from God, and I am confident that one of the reasons Ann is thriving is due to their tender loving care. 

Thank you all for your love and continued prayers. We know that the day will eventually come when Ann will transition from earth into eternity. In the meantime, we will praise God for His loving-kindness and grace for us. Amen?

With great gladness for God's grace (& hot fudge sundaes too 😋)!

Love,

Terrie



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