The Journey Home

Three months ago, my Mom mentioned she had some weakness in her legs. Yesterday, we learned that she probably only has six months to live. She has ALS. Although most people with ALS live for at least three to ten to fifteen years, her strain is extremely aggressive. That is my Mom, she doesn't do anything half way.

I have been so blessed to have her as my Mom. The greatest gift she and my Dad gave me was bringing me up in the Lutheran faith. My faith in Jesus has brought me through so many dark times, but also have given me great joy. It may sound funny, but in a way, I am glad that we have a time line. We have time to say the things we need to say, to spend time together and to look forward to the celebration of her life. As much as I know my Mom hates leaving us, she is so looking forward to being with her Lord in heaven. A favorite song of hers is "Heaven is My Home.

I’m But a Stranger Here

I’m but a stranger here, Heaven is my home;
Earth is a desert drear, Heaven is my home;
Danger and sorrow stand Round me on every hand;
Heaven is my fatherland, heaven is my home.

What though the tempest rage, Heaven is my home;
Short is my pilgrimage, Heaven is my home;
And time’s wintry blast Soon shall be over past;
I shall reach home at last, Heaven is my home.

Therefore I murmur not, Heaven is my home;
Whatever my earthly lot, Heaven is my home;
And I shall surely stand There at my Lord’s right hand.
Heaven is my fatherland, Heaven is my home.

Hymn # 515
Lutheran Worship
Author: Arthur S. Sullivan
Tune: Heaven Is My Home
1^st Published in: 1836

I can't even imagine the party they will have in heaven when she arrives. For she is one of God's prayer warriors. One of the stars in his crown. She has touched so many lives through her faith. She has used not only her words to share her Savior's love, but more then that she has used her actions. As a hospice nurse, she has helped many families traverse through the unfamiliar path towards the death of a love one. Now, she will take one more journey down that path. Once more she will share with us her knowledge and love. It is a path that none of us want to go down. I don't care how old you are, you are never ready to lose your mother.

But as a family, we will take this path together. It will be filled with love and grace, tears and laughter and memories. But mostly it will be filled with faith. Hers and ours. We have been greatly blessed. And God will continue to bless us.