Grief

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Mom died in 1999. It’s difficult to comprehend that so many years have passed so quickly. I can vividly remember my last moments with her, before leaving to go to the San Antonio airport for my trip home to FL. I’d stayed with my parents for three weeks, while she had surgery for lung cancer and recuperated at home. My Brother Gary’s arrival from CA would nearly coincide with my departure.

As I prepared to leave with my old pastor, Charles Bush, Mom got up from her couch. She stood facing me for our last embrace. Her beautiful smile formed such a warm memory. It is surprising how memories of those we love surface through daily events and dreams. Earlier this month, I had a dream about Mom. In the dream, I came to the realization that she was gone, really gone. She was not in a distant state, a hospital, or a nursing home. Mom was no longer here.

I was whimpering as I awoke. It seemed strange to have a dream about her death after so many years. As I shared the experience with a friend, I realized it was likely because Mom’s birthday was approaching. Thursday, August 30th, Betty Ferris Ford, would have celebrated her 90th Birthday. I miss her; yet, I know though she is no longer here, she lives eternally. She is absent from those who love her, but she is present with the Lord.

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8 NKJ).”

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