A Tribute to Mother
Katie Geneva Phillips Kinslow – My Mother and BFF
Mother celebrated her last birthday with us twenty years ago by staring at the huge stack of beautiful birthday cards on her table. I wondered if she recognized any of the names. Did she realize it was her 90th birthday? I took comfort in watching her smile as she carefully handled the cards, hoping that each brought blessing and pleasure to her for the moment.
Soon, all too soon, she would again be taken to the ICU and from there to a skilled nursing facility. Having the positive assurance of Heaven made our expected parting so much easier. This reassurance was repeated several times before she went home. “Mommy, I’ll keep you forever if you want me to; but, I’ll let you go be with Jesus when you are ready.”
Holding her hands in the ICU, I sang old familiar hymns to her. It had been months since she could communicate verbally; however, a few stanzas of “Rock of Ages” would spur her to “hum” along with me. Her hums and my singing left much to be desired to the outside world, but I knew in my heart that our Father in Heaven was honored and my precious mother was comforted. Amazingly, we who never sang in public could not have cared less who heard our duet.
Days later, in the skilled care nursing home, I caressed her tiny, cold hand and recalled all the work those hands had done in ninety years; good work and honorable. I thought of all the care she had given to others; of how much those who didn’t get to know her have missed. I wanted her to go to the home prepared for her in Heaven, but the miss was huge already.
At 6:40, God answered my prayer, and Mother peacefully went to sleep. No more pain. I was blessed to be holding her hand and singing to her: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.” Thank you, Jesus.
My prayer for you today is that those in your care are ready to go to their final home and that they know Jesus personally. I pray that you have that assurance for yourself. What joy to know where Mother is; I look forward to seeing her again someday.
Today’s article is from pages in my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD: available through Amazon.com, me, or Shady Oak Marketplace in Buffalo, MO.
Please drop me a note. How can I pray for you? Are you assured of Heaven? Be sure.
Hugs,
Susie
My mother gone since 1991. My sister Grace asked her if she wanted to use the restroom first. She said No Gracie you’re up so go ahead. Minutes later Grace went to help her up and she was no longer with us. At age 91 and having raised 9 children she died quietly. Not having been close to my mother I Idid not have a deep deep sense of loss. I pray my children will have a different type of loss.
Diana, thank you for your comments. Thankfully, your mother left peacefully. I am sure your children feel your amazing love for each of them. I’m sure both you and they are strengthened by your faithful walk with God. Happy Mother’s Day.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts on your mom’s life and the end you shared with her. I’ve been blessed by many of your blogs but got away from it recently and haven’t kept in touch due to the huge task of writing this book.
You ask if your readers had any prayer requests. That would be mine. I’m struggling to keep this kidsbiblememory club, and I need prayer for that. I am just publishing a book for Amazon in order to help support this ministry.
Thank you for sharing your heart. I miss my mom everyday too. The stories of mom are so precious!!!
Love you Susie!
Have a Happy Mothers Day!!!!
Thank you, Susan. I can picture your precious mother and mine up there sitting at Jesus’ feet. What joy! We both were very, very blessed with wonderful mothers and great memories. Sending love your way.
Marlene, apologies for not getting back with you sooner. I am praying for you and your kidsbiblememory.club and your new book. I will be in contact again about all that. And thank you so much for your encouragement.
Marlene, so good to hear from you. Thank you so much for responding. I definitely understand the pressure when you are facing book deadlines. I am struggling to finish What Love Looks Like. However, I want to be sure I am not going ahead of God.
Thanks for the prayer request. I will be praying for you. The kidsbiblememory club is such a remarkable ministry. I will pass the word along about it as well. Hugs, Susie
Some music is heaven sent and such peace to those who lift up their voice. I look forward to meeting your mom. 💞💖
Thank you so much, Donna. Yes, indeed, I agree on the heaven-sent music. I often remind people that the scripture says to make a “joyful noise”. I get a bit edgy when I don’t see the joy. God is worthy of our happy praise. Ooops, I be preaching now! Thank you again so much for taking the time to drop a note.
Susie – I can’t believe it has been 20 years since your mom passed! Time seems to be flying by me as I cherish each year I am given by God! Your article in this issue, of your mom, brought tears to my eyes and brought sweet memories of my own mom who passed over 20 years ago also! Us two daughters have so much love for our mothers that our memories are so prescious and sweet! I love you dearly, Susie, and pray we continue to keep in touch.
Your California’White’-house friend,
Sheri
Sheri, God bless you. I appreciate your kind words so much. Indeed the memories are precious and sweet; however, I sure could use another Momma hug about now. Sending love for the entire California “White”house! Blessings