Also part of life

Little feet, new babies and wonderful moments fill our lives but also part of life is loss. Even in loss, for us, there is joy and hope.

Bruce's father had his "homegoing" in June. When I got the call I was teaching a class at the church. One of the students asked if he could pray for us and our family.

A quiet joy stole in as the vision of the painful life left behind and the perfect life coming dawned in my heart. The relief for him to awaken from his dementia to the glory of God's presence and experience the grace that he had taught became very real to me.

Although it is difficult to see one's parents age and fail, the Dawn for them is just around the corner so it is at the same time, Glorious.

The meaning of Mum

I visited my mother last week after she had her teeth removed and top denture put in. She was subdued, probably a little traumatized by the experience as is to be expected. Very quiet.

I sat next to her and talked, patting her knee occasionally. She mostly looked straight ahead even when I'd say, "Mum" to try to draw her in and tell her something," Mum, we're going to throw you a party for your anniversary." once in a while she'd look sideways and smile a little or nod.

Afterwards I thought how the meaning of "Mum" for me has changed over the years. It doesn't conjure up images of a dear authority figure or friend any longer. It used to mean a confidant or cozy encounter with shared memories galore or even an "atta girl" that means so much even when you are all grown up or never learned to rely on such things.

Now "Mum" feels like the name for a fragile girl who trusts others to take care of what she cannot do. "Mum" means we will do the best we can together to keep you safe and happy. I'm hoping she can hear the meaning when we say "Mum".