Monday, July 13, 2009

THE JOURNEY

Dear Friends,

This morning I called my Mom about noon to check on her. She was not feeling good last night. She said she didn't feel good, but that she was better. She told me about what she was cooking Pop for lunch, and asked about how the boys all were. Then she had to go because she heard Pop coming in and she had his potato fritters ready to fry.

After lunch, they both lay down on facing couches for their nap. In a few minutes, she was up and saying she hurt...then she began hollering with the pain and told Pop to call 911. He did, and they came and said that she would be fine...this was not life threatning. Joy went on to meet Pop at the hospital. It seems that while she was in the ambulance, she became unresponsive. As soon as they got her to the hospital, they put her on the ventillator. After XRay and CT...it was determined that she had had a massive stroke in the cerebellun.

The entire family who are in Dothan had gathered, and our pastor...they waited with us for the DR. to talk to us. The bleed had occurred in the cerebellum, the brain stem was affected, and spinal fluid was compromised. There was the possibility that surgery may give her back a small amount of function...or kill her immediately. But, if she lived, she would have had to have skilled care for the rest of her life. We did not want her to live like that...she would not have wanted to live like that. And, so...we did nothing. They moved her to ICU so they could monitor her. We were waiting for Ian to arrive from Birmingham, and Ben to arrive from his guard duty. As soon as every one was there...we removed the ventilator. She struggled to breath...and we thought she was going to leave us then. However, her breathing got better...her color got better...and her heart remained strong. We sent everybody home about midnight,so Pop and Joy and I sat with her. We talked to her and sang to her. About 1:45 she stoped the labored breathing, and took very shallow breaths. Her heart rate also slowed way down. And...one minute she was with us...and the next, she was with Jesus. At 1:53.

After attending to the necessary paperwork, Pop and Joy and I each went our separate ways. No one wanted any company...we wanted, I think, to put it all in place in our minds. She was with us this morning and tonight she is in Heaven.

Tomorrow we will get together to plan the funeral.
I have some more very interesting things to tell you. How amazingly God worked.
His hand was seen everywhere.

I may not be posting for a few days...please forgive me, But, I'll be back in a day or two.

I covet your prayers for strength, and wisdom, and patience. I'm here to testify to you that God Almighty is on His Throne! He alone is worthy of our adoration and praise. And, I praise him for having such tender mercies toward my Mother.

Rest well, Sweet Mother...I love you!

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Tonja, I'm so sorry. I don't know what else to say.

Hugs to you and your family. You'll all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love Being A Nonny said...

I am truly sorry. I know your mother was so special to you and you spent a lot of time with her. You were a good daughter. She was a good mother. She loved our heavenly Father. What a legacy. Praying for strength and peace.

Anonymous said...

Love you, Tonja, and am praying for you all.

Bonnie

Jean said...

I am speechless. Your family is going to have some of the most precious times together these next few days that you have ever had. You have my love and prayers.

Tracey said...

Tonja, I commented on FB, but knew you would have more details here. I just want you to know that my eyes are filled with tears as I read about your mother's homegoing. Please know that you and loved and prayed for and I am here if you need ANYTHING.

Melissa said...

So sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers!

RachelD said...

Tonja, Dear,

My heart is with you---lately I think it's taken up residence somewhere up near the ceiling of your kitchen, maybe, looking down and saying a prayer for each one of your family.

I pray peace and comfort for all of you, and am amazed and humbled at how you were able to compose such a message of love and tribute at such an hour.

Love and support and strength to you all,

rachel

southerninspiration said...

Dear Tonja,
What a fabulous testimony this blog post was...thru your pain and loss you sought to glorify the Lord. How amazing to think that your Mother is sitting with the Father. I am so sorry for your earthly loss, but rejoice with you that she is at HOME.
I will say a prayer for you and yours as you struggle thru this hard time. Is. 41:10

Suzanne

Deedra said...

Oh Tonya, how sudden and heartbreaking! I am so thankful that you all can find peace in knowing she is resting in heaven! You and your entire family are in my prayers.

Gram said...

The only thing I can say, is I will pray for your family and I am happy your mother is at home with out Lord.

Sherrie said...

Oh my sweet friend!!!! I am in shock!! Your post was amazing! You are amazing and I love you very much!!! I am praying and I will be find out all the details.

Dona said...

There are no words...I am overcome with how obvious it is the God is with you. He is the Great Comforter. I will be praying for you all

Unknown said...

I am so sorry! I understand what you mean by "she was with us this morning and tonight she is with Jesus", Daddy went the same way. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way, though. We all got to spend a wounderful day with Daddy before he went home.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you! Michele

Debby@Just Breathe said...

My dear Tonja, I am so sorry. Is your Dad okay? How quickly our lives change. It is wonderful that she didn't suffer long. As I read your post my eyes started filling with tears, I just felt the end coming. I live my whole life each day seeing God's hands in every thing that happens. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Take care, God Bless and know that I care. ((HUGS))

Southern Lady said...

Dearest Tonja, please know that my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers are with you and your family. You have my sincerest and deepest sympathy in the loss of your sweet mother. What a comfort to know that she is spending her first day in Heaven today.

Anonymous said...

Tonja-

I am so saddened to hear the news, but rejoice that your mom is in heaven and gets to see Jesus face to face. My heart breaks for you and your family. We will be praying that God gives you the strength to get through the coming days/years.

Much Love-

Chad, Joy & Jaxson

andi said...

I love you sweet friend. I am praying for you each and for precious Pop....
for him especially my heart is so heavy.
I know He is working and how beautiful heaven must be. How thankful I am that she is singing His praises for all eternity.

Jill said...

Tonja - I am so very, very sorry to hear about your mom but do know that she is in heaven, healed and whole and happy. It's just so sad to lose your momma, though. Brings me to tears just to think about it. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your whole family at this very difficult time.

Debbie said...

This was such a shock to read this this morning. I am so sorry for your loss and I will be praying for you and your family. Knowing where your mother is, and who she is with, its an incredible thing. God Bless. Debbie

Zaankali said...

I am so sorry. I hope you can feel me hugging you because I am in my heart. I will be praying for you, your dad, and your family.

kristen said...

My heart breaks for you! I am so sorry! I will be praying for God's peace and comfort for you and your family.

LivingTheLife said...

I saw your message on facebook and like Tracey, knew you would post more about everything here. My heart is heavy for you and your family...but I am also praising God for bringing your mom home so swiftly...I am thankful she did not suffer. I am keeping you, Don, your boys, Joy and especially your dad in my thoughts, heart and prayers today. Your mom was quite a woman...I know this b/c I know you and your love for her...she raised 2 wonderful young Godly women, loved your dad for so many years, helped with her grandsons and grand-daughters and managed to always give of herself. I know these things...b/c you have shared her love of the Lord, her family & friends in your blog many times. I know these things b/c I know you...and it is obvious she was one of a kind b/c of the daughter she has in you.

I love you to bits...even w/o EVER meeting you face to face. I pray for comfort, peace and strength in the coming days...for all of your family & friends.

Love and blessings,
Teresa

Indy Cookie said...

Tonja, May you and your family feel the strength and love of the Lord at this time. Praying that you find peace in the knowledge that she is with her Savior.
I am a first time visitor but will be checking in on you from time to time. I found your site through racheld over at the other Gatherings.
God Bless,
Kathy

Justabeachkat said...

Tonja

I haven't been on the computer since early morning so I did not hear until just recently when both Jean and Jill e-mailed me. I came immediately here.

Sweet friend, my heart hurts for you at this major loss. I know how close your entire family is so I know this has turned your world upside down. There are blessings too since her passing was quick and relatively easy. I thank our sweet Lord for that. You're in my thoughts and prayers along with your entire family, especially your dear Pop.

Hugs!
Kat

Dear God
Please surrond my dear friend Tonja and her entire family with your comfort and love. May your presence be felt at all times as they go through this "journey" together.
Amen

RosieJo said...

Something very similar happened to our family last year, July 18th. I am thankful that you know she is with Jesus, as some of our family struggled with that. Please remember to CELEBRATE her life and the good times you had with her.
Blessings to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of you Mother.
May God Blees you and your family.
Alabama Grandmother

Dianne said...

Tonja, it took my breath away to read your post on facebook this morning. It made my heart sad for you, your dad, your sister and your extended family. As I said on facebook, I hope you have peace in also realizing that she knew how much you loved her and how special she was to you. I'm sure you have many hard days ahead of you all and you can rest assured, I will be praying.

Angela Baylis said...

I'm praying for you right this minute!

Love you!
Angie

Roo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Roo said...

My friend,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family.
The love your family expresses to each other is an inspiration to us all.
May God comfort you.
Love In Christ,
Rhonda B.

Anonymous said...

Deares Tonja,
I am deeply sorry about your mothers' passing. You will be in thought and prayer. My heart goes out to you and your entire family.
Love one of your First Pres family (Lynn)

Darby said...

Oh Tonja, I am behind on my blogs. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. What a beautiful and sweet woman she was... and I only know her from your blog. I am so very sorry for your loss and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. What a blessing to know that she trusted Jesus as her Savior.

nancygrayce said...

Bless all your hearts! May God comfort you while you rest in his everlasting arms!

Paula V said...

I've been out of blogland. I'm SO sorry for this.