Honey Brigance McMackin

It is September 24, 2013.  Exactly seven years ago today my mother’s spirit passed from this life into the eternal realm of the One for whom she had lived. I’m not sure how all of that works as far as knowing the exact state of her soul and spirit at this moment. I just know she left a hospital room filled with hovering nurses, humming machines, needles and tubes, and sad family for a place of peace and joy. And I would not have her back to the room she left.

Mother was a woman full of wonder. She woke up in a new world every day with eager anticipation to see what the day would bring. Being a marvelous, interesting conversationalist, our sons loved to spend time with her as they knew she was vitally interested in every facet of their lives, and they would also learn from her. Laughter was always a part of their repartee. She regaled us with the many stories of her early life. She and my dad enjoyed 64 years of the best marriage I have even known. In their lives they survived the Great Depression and Daddy’s deployment in the Pacific during WWII. Yet never did I hear a complaint about hardships in all their years together, as they faced each challenge with an optimistic outlook. I have learned that this is a priceless legacy to leave one’s children.   

At 89 Mother’s mind was as sharp as that of anyone in the hospital where she last lay. She was cognizant of everything around her until the end, just as we would have expected. Her last words were those of love. Always the lady, she maintained her dignity in her very last hours.

For most of us, the death of our mother is a rite of passage. I’ve learned that time does not really heal that hole in our heart. It does soften the raw edges, but the hole remains. She was the one who loved me first, and longest. There is no replacement. But glory to God for the beautiful family reunion He has planned, to which we look forward with expectant hope.