Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

I would dare say Mom’s journey to Heaven began the night of Wednesday, December 28, 2022, when she quit breathing in the ambulance before it ever left the parking lot of her apartments. She was put on a ventilator that night and remained on it until January 1. We discovered she had a massive heart attack, multiple strokes, and a large hematoma in her leg (among other issues). On Thursday, January 5, the doctor recommended hospice care as the prognosis was very short. My mom stated clearly that she desired that path, and we made the transition from the hospital to a hospice facility the next day.

As Mom began to tie up the loose ends that day, I saw her begin to make her exit from this old world with such grace. Other family from out of state came in the next day. She was alert and soaking in those moments.

The most beautiful thing happened the day we transferred to hospice care. A week before she went to the hospital, she talked about her fears in relation to death. On the day she chose hospice, she told my wife, “I’m not afraid anymore.”

After most of the family went back to their homes out of state, Mom began to transition. That Wednesday night, I felt like death was imminent. During the 3:00 hour on Friday, January 13, all her earthly troubles vanished. I haven’t seen that peaceful look on her face in years.

For now, we grieve. Not for her, but for ourselves. One thing I know, Heaven seems a little bit sweeter now.