Death Hope Parenting Suffering Uncategorized

Mom’s Time to “Rest”

No matter how many times you hear the words, “This may be your last day, ” or “You may never see them again,” both statements eventually come true. And no matter how much you try to prepare to lose a loved one, you are never really prepared.

And so it is, one month after publishing a book about dealing with “loss,” and one day after speaking to pastor’s wives about “The Path of Loss”, I received the lifelong dreaded call that my mother had a massive stroke and was not expected to live. Through a cavalcade of tears, I rebooked my flight, rented a car, and arrived by my mother’s bedside to say my goodbye’s. That was last week.

Due to the necessary arrangements that are going to take some time, my posts here may be sporadic. I apologize for that. But I know those who do visit this blog, are the types that have understanding hearts. So thank you for being patient until I am able to get back to normal life again. My mom was one of my chief encouragers, a daily joy, a constant gift, and understanding friend. Her passing is a major blow, but even there, my God has met me and will not fail.

I posted this on Instagram and Facebook off-the-cuff and thought I’d share. It’s not well thought out, only spilled out. That’s kind of what happens with grief…the doorway of your soul springs open and raw emotion spills out.

I held my mom’s hand

For one last time

Felt her warm fingers

That once entwined mine.

The hand that once braided

This head of black hair

The hand that had bandaged

Each wound with such care.

I stared at her palms

And remembered again

The years of my tears

She’d wiped from my chin.

But this time they dripped

An unstoppable flow

And the still small voice

Whispered “time to let go.”

And when the Lord came

Took her laboring breath

Held her heart in His hand

He had freed her through death.

So much sorrow in joy

Now she’s free from all pain

Our deepest loss

Is heaven’s great gain.

No more tears does she cry

No more ache does she feel

No more absence from her longings

No more prayers just to heal.

Soon will be the day

When my hand will yet again

Hold her close with ceaseless joy

I can barely wait ‘til then.

Lord, thank you for her life

And the love she gave to me

Then He spoke straight to my heart

“You’ll be with us eternally.”

 

Shannon Gallatin

Though merely a trophy of God's infinite grace, I am blessed to be the wife of my favorite pastor. I'm also the mother of a miracle with at least 6 treasures in heaven being raised by my heavenly Father. The Lord has used my past jobs of working with families affected by addictions, abuse, and other life tragedies, to help oversee the women's ministry at Calvary Chapel of the Finger Lakes. I couldn't be more thankful for His entrustment to wear multiple hats of various sizes, though they might fit a bit awkward on my noggin'. Praying that each of these things are being used to make me more like my Jesus and bring Him great glory.

Though I love all of the Word of God, Philippians 3:10 has become my life verse and Acts 20:24 my ministry pursuit.

http://ccfingerlakes.org

6 thoughts on “Mom’s Time to “Rest”

  1. Dear Shannon,

    Thank you for your beautiful poem. It brought to mind the bittersweet passing of my own precious mother in our home. I too look forward to the wonderful reunion in glory as we serve our heavenly Savior.

    In His love,
    Ingrid

  2. Shannon, you continue to be in my prayers for our Abba Father’s peace and comfort by His Holy Spirit in and upon you … holding and upholding you … helping you through each moment, one day at a time.

    Thank you for sharing. The poem and the pictures are so beautiful and touching. You were a blessing to your Mom … and she to you. Deep love, cherished memories, and the blessed living hope that you will see her again.

    (p.s. I didn’t know you played basketball! So do I, & coach a sweet varsity girls bball team. Wish we lived closer so you could come and teach us 🙂

    1. Karen! I had no idea about basketball. I’m convinced it’s a sport we will play in heaven 🙂 Thank you for your very kind note and encouragement. Without Jesus, how would we deal with the vast majority of things in life. He’s been a true Comforter through this. Thank you!

  3. When you first posted this my sorrow for you left me utterly speechless. I still have very few words that could speak the depth my heart feels at your words. Your mom was all I never had. I am grateful for the touches I had with her over a few short years. What spilled out on this page, I know she has read from heaven over and over with a joy that will someday replace all tears.

    1. My mom loved you like you were an adopted daughter. She could never get over your thoughtfulness and unexpected blessings or phone contact. Thank you for being another “good gift” from the Lord that made the most memorable birthday of my life possible with her. Love you.

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