On my birthday, I resolved to begin each new day of the coming year by reminding myself, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
I must admit the past couple of days posed a challenge to this resolution.
I got a message from one of my sisters telling me that Mom – who had been in hospice care since May – might not make it through the night.
“How can I possibly rejoice in a day that may include the loss of a person I love dearly?” I asked God as Pete and I drove the two-and-a-half hours up to the farm where Mom lives, and where my sisters and I grew up.
I prayed and hoped against hope that we would make it there in time for me to hug Mom and talk to her at least once more.
Thankfully that prayer was answered. Mom did survive long enough for me to get there and hug her good-bye.
My last words to her were, “I love you!”
Her last words to me were, “I love you too!”
“We need to regard each day we still have her as a blessing,” my husband had said repeatedly over the past few weeks.
I was indeed blessed to have that last day with her. Thanks be to God!
I know she is now with God and happily reunited with Dad, whom she has missed terribly over the past six years.
One of my sisters snapped this photo of the sun rising on our family farm. I think it makes the perfect background for Psalm 118:24.

“I know she is now with God.” Amen! That small phrase makes all the difference between what the world will see as “worst case scenario” and what the Christian sees as “blessed hope.”
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Yes!
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Beautiful testimony of your last words to one another!! I’m sorry about your loss but the peace she has now is a great blessing for her and all of you as her family.❤️
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Yes, I take great comfort in that.
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Losing your mom is hard but His strength will get you through. Sending you big hugs.
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Thanks!
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Once I was feeling quite low and went to wake up my two year old daughter for her morning routine. She began singing “This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Out of the mouth of babes for sure. I know that you will miss your mom even knowing she is at peace.
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Yes, I sure will. Knowing she’s happily reunited with Dad and my little sister Jennifer helps.
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It is hard to imagine even though we know it is true. I guess we will find out some day.
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What beautiful words to live by, and it’s so great you were able to each share those wonderful last words. Your faith and outlook are inspiring. Hugs.
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Thanks!
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That was beautiful Debi. Mom would have loved what you wrote and how you share your faith every day. ❤
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Thank-you.
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Keeping you all in prayer.
Marilyn Jean Runkel, O.P. PhD
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Thanks.
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Our hearts are with you as you go through the final days of you mom’s life. Your verse is very fitting on that beautiful photo.
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Thank-you.
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