I have shared this story with a few who have suggested that I write about it here so that it can bring comfort and peace to others who have lost a loved one. I hope so.
I grew up in a family who read and believed the Bible. Sure, we had fun, sometimes maybe too much, but we always lived each day with praises and pleas, praying through the ups and downs of life.
The Day After Thanksgiving
The day after Thanksgiving this past year, I awoke with an urgency to go visit my mom who lived an hour away. My children were at my house and they had traveled from a few states away for the holiday. Besides that, I even had appointments and activities scheduled. She had been sick for over a decade with Alzheimer’s. She was at a stage where she did not even recognize me, so logic would say that I could wait until Sunday to race off to see her when my children were not there and things weren’t so hectic. But I felt compelled to go THEN!
As I drove over, I braced myself for what my visits had been for a long time. For the past few years, my once beautiful mom looked so fearful and sad, not knowing my name or being able to sit up or communicate. But to my shock, she was sitting up and glowing! She looked the way I had not seen her in years. She greeted me with recognition and said, “ I am so happy that you are here! I love you!” We conversed in ways we had not in years. My brother David was there, which was also unusual in that we, being very busy siblings, were rarely there at the same time. We both just stared in confusion, but gratitude at her state. I was also glad David was there to witness this with me.
We called the caregiver in and asked if our mom was on new drugs, looking for a practical, earthly reason for all this. The kind nurse said emphatically, “No, she just started this early this morning.”
My mom began to communicate in interesting ways. She began to look around the room greeting beings that we could not see. She introduced herself over and over to them, smiling and glowing and happy. It was joyful and riveting to see. She looked at us and clearly declared with a huge smile, “THIS is delightful!”
I needed to get back to my family and responsibilities at home. I kissed my mom and said what I often said as I left, “We will see each other in heaven some day.” THIS time she smiled and nodded.
Several hours later, I received a call saying my mom had passed away. How grateful I will always be to have seen her on the way to heaven and have the assurance that all we have been taught and believed is true. I don’t know why I was given this gift. Maybe it’s because He knew I would share it.
Tell Me: I know that many of you have had similar experiences. Would you please share?
Barbara, What a lovely remembrance to your beautiful mom!
Your message means so much to me, Selvia!!
What a blessing Barbara! I’m so glad you received this “God Wink”. I too have had these experiences after our daughters passing. Mabe I can share with you sometime. A God Wink is when God allows a deceased loved one to come back and give you a sign that they are ok. My stories will put goose bumps on your arms. Thanks for sharing.
What an amazing and blessed gift from God this was! Thank You for sharing.
Yes, it was, Jim. Thank you for your kind message.
My mom’s last day was similar to many others that Winter as her heart condition and diabetes had caused her to be on a health roller coaster. That day I had been to her house several times checking with her care givers.( I could get there in 10 minutes)
About 9:30 pm the caregiver called me to say my Mom wanted to see me then. I was very tired but my husband and I immediately drove to her house. She was snug in her bed but wanted to tell me something as she was talking in a low voice. I just laid down on the bed beside her and held her hand. She said nothing hurt. Instead she gave me advice about my children,she shared personal things and she told me she always loved me. She talked off and on for over an hour. Then she said, “Could I have some water?” We helped her sit up in the bed and she took a sip of water. Then she looked straight ahead and said,”I am leaving.” Then she sighed, fell back on her pillow and had passed. I will always treasure those last hours with my Mother and often wonder how to interpret her last words and if she could see where she was going.
Thank you so much for sharing such a meaningful and special time, Libby! Maybe others have had similar circumstances and will share. Your mom was peaceful and unafraid of leaving. That is very comforting and assuring.
Beautiful!
Thank you!!
Hi Barbara,
That just brought tears of joy to my eyes for beautiful and loving, Aunt Edith. And yes, I have a story about dad (better known to you as Uncle Wilburn).
When dad had his last bout with cancer (July-October 1993), I would take off every other Friday and Monday to drive over to visit with him and Sara. Now at this point of my story dad was already in a hospital bed and unable to get up. One night, Sara and I were getting his medications ready that were on the chest of drawers where he slept. He was watching TV and we had our backs to him as we prepared his medication. He was awake and alert, eyes fully open. All of sudden he commented on some lights. Sara and I turned around where I asked, “what lights?” Dad said, “those lights” and pointed to the corner of the ceiling. Then he began to describe them – “they’re beautiful, I’ve never seen anything like them, don’t you see them?” He just kept on and on about the beautiful lights.
A short time after (maybe a couple of weeks) he went to be with the Lord.
Thank you so much for sharing, Carolyn! We are blessed that we witnessed our parents with one foot on earth and one foot in heaven. Such a peaceful transition! I appreciate you so very much!
Early on the morning of September 18, 1985, I drove to Shelby to see my father, whose health had been failing. On arriving at the outskirts of town I decided to stop by one of his favorite stores and buy a pumpkin, the old-fashioned kind that was a very pale orange as opposed to the newer bright orange hybrids. I knew that my purchase would please him, so I headed to the house. But as I got to the curve just before the house I was shocked to see a “Slow – Death in Family” sign. Surely not, I thought, but rounding the curve I saw the floral arrangement on the front door, and my mother and eldest brother came out of the house to meet me. My father had died that morning, unable to summon enough strength to wake up. But my mother told me how pleased he had been that I was coming to see him that day. He had gone to bed the night before talking about how he looked forward to my visit.
After hearing from my brother that Daddy’s heart just wasn’t strong enough to allow him to survive the strain of waking up, I headed to what had been my room. Stepping into the bathroom, I began to cry because I had not been able to see Daddy one last time. But then the strangest experience happened: I “heard” or sensed my father’s voice assure me, “I’m alright. Your Mother needs you now.” I can’t explain it, but I know for sure that our loving Heavenly Father allowed me one last word from my earthly father – a word of comfort, compassion and love. And I would not take anything in place of that blessed encounter. More than three decades later, their purpose is still having their effect on me.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience, my long time friend! Like you, I believe our loving Heavenly Father gave you that gift of comfort and love. What a powerful experience! It has touched your heart for all these decades. That will bring others comfort and you are kind to take the time to share.
This was absolutely beautiful, Barbara! It reminds me of my grandmother who was very dear to me.
Thank you so much, Jennifer! I’m glad it made you think of someone you love dearly.
Dear Barbara, I knew where your story was leading, and believe with all my heart that God had a hand in that tender encounter. When I try to share my faith, sometimes my words fall of deaf ears, and all I can say is “I know what I know”. Our mother left us in October of last year, doing what she enjoyed most, BINGO! Aside from Duplicate Bridge, BINGO was her passion! She had given up Bridge due to her short term memory loss (she held a Siver Masters in Shelby), but was still traipsing down to Gaffney, SC, thanks to her dutiful son, my little brother, Shannon, twice a week to gamble a little and spend some time with her dear friend & BINGO buddy. That evening she literally just stopped dabbing her card, and slumped over from a massive stroke. Daddy, Hayden and I were able to get to Gaffney before she was transported to Shelby hospital, where she was born, and she died peacefully a few hours later with us by her side. How incredibly blessed Dad, I and my siblings are to have had Mother in our lives until she was 92. We miss her so much, but have many fond memories to share. Thank you for sharing yours.
Loved reading your story of your Mom’s last day on earth and of the remarks that others have written. She was special (we both know that). Did not know she had been sick for so long. I was blessed to hear a story about “my Ken” several years after his passing. A neighbor of ours( for forever) who was in bad health suddenly seemed ok and spoke of seeing Ken and how he was welcoming her to his place and telling her how wonderful it was. This took place right before her death. Will have to admit Ken was a very friendly, outgoing , colorful guy and did not surprise me that now he is a “greeter in heaven”
What a great story!! It made me smile and certainly will bring a smile to many others!! Thank you for YOU, Jane!
What a beautiful story!
Thank you, Irene, for reading and caring!
Oh, Barbara, your words brought tears to my eyes. And am so happy that you have such comfort in her loss. I had a similar experience with my mom. A prelude is that a few years earlier I was at home and the two of us were preparing Easter dinner. Out of nowhere words came out of mouth that were not premeditated or even thought of….mom, do you ever think of dad…Yes! every day! John always told me that when he retired he would take me dancing – and we never got to dance. Barbara, my dad died 50 years ago. i have no idea where those words came from still to this day. On the morning of mom’s passing I was alone with her holding her hand and stroking her forehead and assuring her we would all be ok and what a great job she did raising us and what a lovely legacy she has with the grands and their kids….then suddenly…again…out of nowhere I say…dad is waiting on you – he wants to take you dancing. And with that she took her last breath. Her Heavenly reward was waiting on her.
Your story is so very beautiful, Kathi, and so are YOU! Thank you for sharing and bringing comfort and peace to others!
Barbara I’ll never forget your Thanksgiving visit you surprised me and brother Steve a few years ago for my mother. Thank you. Dolly Williams (mom) passed on about 7 years ago. Nine years ago I had a defibralated heart attack. I wasn’t breathing for 4-5 minutes waiting on EMS. During that time I could hear voices but I hadn’t passed over. Just wasn’t my time but I do have the faith. I was baptised by Rev. John Lawrence at First Baptist Church, Shelby NC.
Thank you for remembering a special and meaningful day, William!
Oh, Barbara. This is just too touching for comment. Precious Miss Edith greeting her heavenly friends……. XOXOXOXO
You will always be such a special friend, Sonya! Thank you for this beautiful message! Love you!
Barbara, thanks for stirring all our hearts in remembering God’s grace and His provision, not only for our loved ones, but for us also. I was with my mom and my dad when they passed, and God allowed time for all things to be said and love to be shared. My brother, Steve, passed on February 27, 1990, and I had not seen him since Christmas. On that particular day, I called my mom and he was there having lunch. I took my lunch hour with them and had a great visit with Steve. At 10:30 that evening, I received the call that he had a fatal, massive heart attack. God allowed him to visit mom and me that last day. Forever I will praise Him!
Barbara,
This is very touching. I knew your Mother as I am originally from the same area as you grew up. What a true blessing GOD gave to you and David. As my Morher is also in a caring facility I totally understand this story you will carry in your heart forever. Love ❤️ you and your posts!!
Thank you so much for your kind message, Ann. I love that you knew my mom. My thoughts and prayers go out to you as you care for yours. Merry Christmas!
Barbara this brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful story! Maybe I can figure out how to share mine. This is not something I easily do. Thank you so much. Ann Lackey Anthony
Thank you so much, Ann! Please share your story. Merry Christmas!
My mom passed away the day after thanksgiving last year. The week before she died, she saw my brother who died when he was 16. We were sitting together on her sofa when she looked up and said ” there is Michael”. I had to clarify because I named one of my son’s Michael. She said “there is my Michael” As the week went on. She spoke to her parents and her grandmother. On November 25th at 12pm, I held her in my arms and said “mom it’s time to fall into God’s amazing grace” she did just that. Walking the journey with my mom is something I’ll never forget. I washed her body on Tue prior to her death. As i was washing her she opened her eyes and said “I’ve been saved ” by God’s amazing Grace I’ve been saved I’m in heaven now.
Beautiful!!!! Thank you so much, Susan, for sharing this wonderful story. May God continue to bless you. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for sharing!!!! I always miss my loved ones more during the holidays. I, too, have the assurance that I will see them again one day.
This is beautiful Barbara. I was happy when you shared this story with me and happier to see it on “paper”. I promise I will write mine someday soon. Happy Christmas.