Goodbyes Are Never Easy

This past weekend, I had to say my final goodbye to my Mother as she passed away after 96 years of life on this planet. Through my many tears, I experienced that goodbyes are never easy.

As I look back at the last month of her life, it all went so quickly. What seemed to be a minor fall in her independent living apartment ended up leading to a series of other health issues that rapidly affected her like a set of falling dominos. The last two weeks of her life were filled with such pain and suffering, it was extremely difficult to watch. But now, she is finally at rest, and her pain is gone.

Now, I sit here in a state of mourning, trying to accept what just took place.

There’s a song by Ed Sheeran called “Supermarket Flowers” that has some beautiful words of comfort:

Oh, I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up, but I know
A heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved
So, I’ll sing Hallelujah

You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down, you’d be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go
And when God takes you back
He’ll say, “Hallelujah, you’re home”

The death of a parent is always difficult, but it is even harder when you think that your parent will bounce back from whatever comes their way – especially since it’s happened so many times before.

There are times when I still struggle with the death of my Dad, which happened 11 years ago. Emotions are really a funny thing, especially when these sneak up on you at the most unexpected times.

But I am comforted by my faith, knowing that both of my parents are now with the Lord. I am reminded of this when reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14:

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.

Eventually, the mourning will fade, but the memories of my parents will not. It’s in those memories where I will find peace and joy, knowing that they are in their heavenly home. They will be forever in my thoughts and prayers, and I believe that they will be watching over me as they did for my entire life.

Eternal rest grant upon them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. ~Romans 14:8

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