Dear Mom,
It's been close to two months since I saw you last, yet there are days when I can hardly contain the sadness. It oozes out at odd times, like on Sundays at 4 o'clock - –when we'd rendezvous by phone. You'd call and we'd chat about food and the weather. You'd speak Italian and I'd listen - –by some miracle understanding every word. You knew me inside out and still managed to like me - –another miracle to me. Your unqualified acceptance was God's way of keeping me sane. We were simpatico - –likeminded in so many ways. More than a great mom, you were my dearest friend.
That's why it pained me so that we lacked one vital link. I prayed earnestly for 34 years, and though you resisted, I never lost hope. God's promises were my lifeline, His faithfulness my solace. In fact, when plans fell through to bring you home with me to Virginia, I got on my knees and once more entrusted you to God, knowing that He was able to keep you. He reminded me of Jesus' words, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Still, I was stunned that night in the hospital. It was a touch-and-go moment in the wee hours. You'd been in and out of consciousness for days, barely coherent. Your "numbers" weren't good, and you were suffering deeply. I'd been praying over you and all around your room, silently, out loud,and in the Spirit, pleading for God's mercy. Roused from restless sleep, you opened your eyes and uttered those wonderful, holy words, "All things become new, right, Pammy?" You, who were unfamiliar with Scripture . . . just amazing! Then you said the word "precious" emphatically, endearingly, over and over. Who but Jesus deserves such acclaim? We were not alone. I started just to agree with and comfort you, but found myself in conversation:
Mom, do you know Jesus? ......... Yes.
He loves you very much. ......... I know.
Would you like to know Him better? ......... Yes!
Okay, Mom, let's pray.
I introduced you to Jesus, and you gave Him your heart. It was as simple and profound and glorious as that. But of course, you know all these things. You were there.
Who knew that in days you'd be gone? The Lord, that's who. He knew every moment of your 88 years. It was written in His book all along. When the sadness comes, I think of heaven and you there with Jesus. It's enough for now knowing that I'll see you again.
Arrivederci, Mama. Till we meet again.
Your devoted daughter and new sister in the Lord,
Pam
Revelation 21:3-5 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
"Until We Meet Again - An Open Letter to Mom," written by Pam Piccolo is found in our Fall issue of Connect, a quarterly publication that seeks to share the stories of God's people at KPC. |
