On behalf of my husband’s family – and my own heart – thank you so very much for your kind words and for your prayers as we grieved the passing of my mother-in-law. This was the toughest week of our lives, and we miss her terribly. Yet, we even as we grieve, we weep as people of hope. Our tears of sorrow are mixed with smiles of joy and yes, even laughter.
For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. (1 Thess 4:14)
In fact, my favorite memories of Kathy are the times we laughed so hard our stomachs hurt! May I share with you a couple of memories about my mom-in-love which were shared during her service?
Most of our laughter-filled moments occurred when she tried to teach me something. ‘Tried’ being the operative word there… but that wasn’t her fault. Despite her best efforts, I’m still terrified to thread the bobbin without her talking me through it. And then there was that time we made homemade mashed potatoes and, well, we always hoped everyone would conveniently forget our giggled confession that those black flecks were more Teflon than pepper. 😉
But one thing Kathy did successfully teach me is to love well. And she herself loved well until the very end, praying for those who came to visit her and speaking with every caregiver she encountered – about Jesus and the peace she had because of His grace.
Faced with a terminal diagnosis and only weeks to live, she accepted it with grace and trust in her Savior. God gave Kathy a special anointing to proclaim His love and truth in her final days. These final days were spent not focused on herself, but in listening and ministering to others.
She could do this because she knew this life isn’t all there is. She wanted everyone to know, though, that heaven isn’t a default destination. Because brokenness keeps us from entering God’s presence, we need to be rescued from ourselves. And we can only be rescued if we choose to be, by choosing with our heart and mind and soul to believe that the words in 1 John 4:10 are talking about each of us personally and individually:
This is real love–not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
Kathy knew that it’s not about us; it’s about loving each other well, just as God loves us. I am so blessed to have been loved well by her. ♥ Even though she is gone from us now, her work – and her story – continue on. We know one day we will see her again. The same Lord Jesus who dances with her now also sings comfort over those she left behind.
Awwwww I’m so sorry you are missing your mom in love but you will always have your memories that will keep you smiling and giggling! Black specs indeed!
God bless Carrie…….
haha!!! Thank you Susan ♥
Oh, Carrie – so beautifully expressed! Can there be a greater summation of someone’s life than that they loved well? Thanks for sharing your heart, and thank You God for Kathy’s life, and her inspiring encouragement to trust and love.
thank you, Carolyn – amen. ♥
What a beautiful tribute to your mother-in-law, Carrie. How wonderful that she used her time here on Earth to proclaim Christ and the Gospel of salvation. Thank you for sharing that purpose in her life here on your blog, in the midst of your grief. She is in a better place, but those of us left behind are the ones who feel the pain of searing loss. Praise the Lord that Jesus is your Comforter now, too. Praying for you!
yes. Amen. ♥ Thank you, Jerusha!
What beautiful words! You are very blessed to have shared these experiences with your mother in law. She sounds like such a special person. I was especially touched by these words: “Faced with a terminal diagnosis and only weeks to live, she accepted it with grace and trust in her Savior. God gave Kathy a special anointing to proclaim His love and truth in her final days. These final days were spent not focused on herself, but in listening and ministering to others.” What a legacy! I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Such a precious legacy, yes! ♥ Thank you, Carrie!
Lovely post, made me cry. God bless you and your family.
thank you, Rita! ♥
❤ Such an amazing legacy she has left here on Earth ? I am glad you are able to remember the fun times and laugh through the tears.
thank you, sweet friend ♥
Hugs, Meez Carrie.
thank you ♥
Thinking of you and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Your story of faith and hope is inspiring. I’m grateful that because of Jesus Christ, we can see our loved ones again. Thanks for sharing 🙂
thank you so much, Jane! ♥
What a lovely tribute, Carrie! It’s so comforting to know that you will see her and be with her again. Love you, my BFFF!
amen ♥ Love you too!!
ThankYOU, Carrie. It’s great that you had a sweet relationship with you mother in law! That must be an encouragement to your husband. She seems to have left a lasting legacy. My Jesus keep you until you meet again! Just think we’ll all get to meet someday! It’s so nice that we Christians can connect now and in the future! Blessings!
Amen!
She sounds like was such an inspiring woman in your life and I hope that inspiration continues to pass on to future generations.
thank you ♥
What beautiful memories! What a woman! So glad you have memories to hold onto during this difficult time. And I am so glad i wasn’t drinking anything when i read about the black specks…..lol Oh my hannah! 😀
LOL!!! 😀
oh my I am so sorry for your loss. I went through this last week with one of my husbands sisters. I am just starting to get back into things.
thank you, Lori I’m so sorry for your loss, too ♥
Beautiful post!Sorry for your loss and your husband’s loss. God give you and the family peace and more joy and laughter.
thank you, Linda! ♥
What a treasure you have in the precious memories of time spent with your mother-in-law. You can fondly recall one each time you miss her. ((Hugs)) to you, your husband, and your family.
thank you! ♥
Lovely, Carrie. I would hope that I could show such faith and grace during such a time. Your comment of laughter reminded me of when my daddy died five years ago. We were all (large family) in his room as they took him off life support and watched his last breath. Very emotional because it was totally unexpected. An older man from the hospital came in and said a prayer for us and he kept saying “our sister” and we all had a little laugh afterwards because even though he was corrected, he kept saying sister. We thought that Daddy was probably fussing. Laughter is good along with the tears.
haha oh yes – it is a gift from God! ♥
God Bless You Carrie and all your love ones. Rest in Peace Kathy.
Marilyn
thank you, Marilyn ♥
What a wonderful legacy! May Your sweet memories sustain you in the days ahead as you strive to follow her beautiful example and love well, also. Blessings on you.
thank you, Evangeline! ♥
This is such a beautiful tribute to your mom-in-love. Praying for you and your family!
thank you ♥
Would that those words could be said of every Christian, Carrie! You have a way with words that made your “mom-in-love” so very real. I’ve known loss and grieve with you, even while anticipating many joyful reunions that await.
Sustaining prayers and prayers of peace were prayed over you last week, Carrie. And while reading your moving words, I couldn’t help but think of how the words of that Ray Boltz song describe Kathy, “Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed … I am so glad you gave.” Much love, Carrie.
yes. a perfect song for her. Thank you, sweet friend! ♥
Beautiful words, and memories of your sweet Mother in law. What a precious example she was for the whole family. Thank you for sharing the sweet memories!
thank you, Jeanne!
What a beautiful example of how to live for the Lord, even when facing something tragic. Thank you for sharing Carrie! I’m sure your life was so blessed to have her in it. Hugs and prayers ?
thank you, sweet friend!
Carrie this is a lovely tribute! Prayers and ((((HUGS)))))
thank you, sweet friend!