A Restless Soul Finds Rest

This morning, my Maw Maw took a turn for the worse.

An early morning call led me back to her bedside

We rode the waves of imminent death and slight improvement.

In a moment, when it seemed clear she would soon leave us, a dozen people crowded into a small mobile home bedroom

To hug, to pray, and spontaneously sing “Amazing Grace.”

It was beautiful.

Meanwhile, huge wind gusts rocked the trailer.

Seemed a fitting moment for my Maw Maw.

A feisty, ornery, and restless spirit.

And full of love.

As we surrounded her in that room, these words came to mind.

a room-filled with memories.

of a grandmother, mother, and friend.

a cancer in the lungs

a fighter ‘til the end.

an ornery wind blows

outside like a knife.

a simple, ironic picture

of the story of your life

the caregiver to many

today, many who give care.

surround your bed together

in song, in tears, and in prayer.

watching as you struggle

for air to enter your chest

you’ve always been a restless soul

now your soul can rest

Somehow, to the nurses surprise, she is hanging on.

I’m not surprised.

She’s always been scrappy.

So thankful to have the chance to tell her thank you.

For always being there.

For being a bright spot during dark days.

For being my Maw Maw.

She smiled as best she could.

And asked me, “Can I go now?”

I told her yes.

Go be with Jesus.

And I’ll see you there someday.

She’s unresponsive now

Playing teeter-totter between life and death.

It’s so hard to die when you’ve always fought to live.

But paradise is knocking.

Ultimate joy awaits.

Peace is at hand.

The finish line is in sight.

And his name is Jesus.