Surely your goodness and love will follow me
Psalm 23
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Friday morning, after a few uncomfortable hours on a fold-out hospital couch, I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed out to the gardens, just as the sun was beginning to make its way over the horizon.
The early hours of the day were deliciously cool, just 58-degrees, and I felt immediately refreshed. Then, sitting on the bench and watching the cows begin to stir, I had a sudden epiphany. I realized that the stone I had carried so carefully Thursday afternoon (A meadow, a prayer, and a labyrinth) had a little more work to do.
So I made my way, prayerfully, back into the labyrinth to retrieve my rock. I knew I had to take it into mum’s room and keep it there until her journey is completed.
I know – and Rebekah and I talked about it over brunch later in the morning – it’s just symbolism. But symbols can be valuable, especially when they help us hold a truth about something that is real.
I think the problem with symbols is that for many people they have become so detached from their meaning they are essentially worthless – artificial substitutes for authentic spirituality.
But when something like a labyrinth, or a cross, or a small rock helps us to understand, and to enter into an authentic connection with the holy, then a symbol can be a powerful tool.
So I put the rock back in my hand and continued my morning walk. I checked in with the cows in the meadow, I explained to the two anxious working dogs that I was cleared to be there, I chatted with a herd of goats taking care of an overgrown pasture, then I circled back through a large sculpture designed to evoke a portal or passageway between the worlds.
Back inside it has been a long day. And now, pushing towards midnight, I have been holding my mum’s hand, singing hymns and reading scriptures, asking God to be in the details that mean so much at the moment: the peace, the pain, the need for comfort, the end of suffering.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths…” (Psalm 23)
PRAYER: Please take my mum gently by the hand, dear Lord, and guide her along the right paths this night; please guide her home – Amen
Epilogue: This post was written Friday at 11:30. At 11:51, Grace Maul left this world as I was singing Abide With Me….
Images:
1) Rebekah on the labyrinth 2) Tall pine reaching up; 3) Labyrinth at dawn 4) “Portal” sculpture 5) Entry to one of the gardens 6) Stained glass in the chapel
So sorry for your loss. God be with you and your family.
Sent from my iPad
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Derek-
Deeply sorry about your loss. You are in my prayers.
Derek, this has to be the most beautiful “goodbye” possible. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us and your mum’s final journey to meet our Lord. Peace, Steve
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing she is at peace and free of pain.
Prayers for you, Derek, and Rebekah and
happy that your Mum is at peace and where she needed to be. Sending our love and sympathy to you.
Oh, Derek, I know this has been a tough journey for you, for your family, for your beloved Mum. Thanks be to God for your steadfast loving support for her, for her peace and restoration. The journey is now blessedly complete for your parents, while yours continues in Christ our Lord. God keep you, your dear Rebekah, and your family in the precious days to come.
Peace be with you. We are thinking of you and pray that all will be well with you. The men at Wadsworth and Medina sends their prayers and thoughts.
May God’s grace and peace continue to be yours Derek. Thank you for sharing your journey with your mom during these weeks and months.
My condolences to you and your family. You certainly made her last hours special. Your mum will always be in your heart.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
John3:16
Diane Reiss
My deepest condolences to you, Rebekah and your family. You are in my prayers. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Hi Derek, I am sorry to hear the news about your mum, but I am glad her suffering is over, and she is finally home and reunited with your dad. Prayers for comfort and God’s peace for you, Rebekah and the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peace for all
God’s blessings upon you and Rebekah at this special time. My thoughts and prayers go with you on this journey.
Peace, God’s peace, to you, Rebekah and your family. I’ve been following your mum’s sweet, graceful journey through your posts. They’ve tugged at my heart, and you’ve been in my prayers.
Derek, you and Rebekah have honored each of your parents in the way God has designed. Not all of us do, but your walk through these inevitable difficulties and heartaches has truly warmed my heart.
May you cling to each other and find comfort at this time.
Love,
Julie Weaver Williams <
Bless you Derek and Rebekah.
We whole heartedly endorse Julie Weaver Williams’ comments.
The peace of our Lord be with you moment by moment.