The unmistakable hand of God

It has been some time since I last posted on my blog. 2012 has been a tumultuous year to say the least. Dad passed away just 4 short months ago and Moms dementia gave us little choice but to entrust her care to the professionals in a nursing home dementia unit. She received wonderful care but with dad being gone mom missed her love of 50 years greatly. Even though we had to remind her that dad had died when she asked why he wasn't visiting her, the loss taxed her heart. We were called to the nursing home yesterday morning with the news that she had taken a significant turn for the worse. Darla and I went immediately. It was a long day of taking turns holding her hand, playing hymns for her and just trying to be of comfort. At around 11:30 that night, Darla asked if I was going to pray with mom. As the three of us joined hands I prayed that God would lovingly accept her into His arms, join her once again with dad, and restore her anew. As I said "Amen" she literally took her last breath. There was silence, the rattling of the fluid in her lungs ceased and there was a peace and calm. I looked up at Darla and she looked at me. We were stunned at first but quickly realized that God had given us the blessing of praying my mom into eternity. God answers every prayer, sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes wait. That moment He said yes followed by welcome home. Mom now enjoys her renewed boy, and especially her renewed mind that no longer betrays her but allows her to bask in the presence of a loving God.