This is always a sweet/sad time of year for me. Each of my parents went to Heaven in the month of November–Dad first on November 16th and Mom on November 10,16 years later. It never surprised me they died in the same month because they were so joined at the heart and the hip!
They had been able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at a reunion of Mom’s family the summer before, a joyous occasion and complete surprise for Mom. (Dad had been told so we could get Mom there on time)!
The next March after celebrating their actual anniversary on Valentine’s Day (which Mom always jokingly said she picked so he would never forget–and he didn’t!), Dad had an unrelenting 8 months of illnesses, including two different kinds of cancer. At the end, he was transferred to a hospital 70 miles from home and I flew home that same day.
In our last time together, I suddenly asked Dad if he was afraid and as he shivered and shook from high fever, he said, “No!” “Are you praying?!” “Yes,” as he struggled to breathe. And last, “Is Jesus with you, Dad?” “Oh yes!” Dad murmured with his last strength. He so loved Jesus. That has comforted me through the years.
Mom lived another 16 years, struggling with widowhood, illnesses, and finally being in a nursing home. She faced each difficulty with grace, grit, and Barbara’s determination. In our last visit, when asked if she was at peace, she said, “Oh yes!” After her death as I was preparing the Story of her life, she came to me and told me, “You can do whatever you want.”(Meaning for her funeral which she had told me when alive she would come back and haunt me if I changed any of what she planned!)
“I am with Dad now so I do not care!”
And so, her vision of Heaven had come true! Dad had built a cabin with rocking chairs on the front porch and they were rocking their way into Heaven!
Wedding Day 2/14/1947 Last photo together before their passing
LOVE YOU FOREVER MOM AND DAD!
-Carolyn
