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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Time (11/15/12)
The prognosis wasn’t good. Although it was expected, the reality of a loved one given only a short time to live came as a shock to the whole family but especially to her oldest daughter Cynthia.

Ebony was approaching her eighty seventh birthday and had been living with Cynthia and her husband for the past twelve years. She had her own rooms in the large federation style home and felt totally at home and well cared for as she compared her situation with that of some of her friends in aged care facilities. She regularly attended the senior citizens functions but had come to realise that she was not very well. She had given her car to one of her granddaughters only six months ago as she had appreciated that she was no longer able to drive safely as her legs just wouldn’t cooperate. Since being rushed to the hospital with chest pains, shortage of breath and unable to stand unassisted, Ebony had insisted that she did not want to be revived if her condition became critical as she had witnessed a very dear friend go through the agony and emotional rollercoaster of extreme medication and dashed hopes.

Cynthia had a professional background in aged care and together with her husband had agreed to bring Mum home to make her as comfortable as possible. Their lives were put on hold but as they were both retired they simply accepted this challenge as a privilege and with their strong faith in a caring Heavenly Father it seemed the normal thing to do.

This was to be the beginning of a very special time. Time itself was not a problem, indeed it became a blessing.
A personal alarm system was installed, a few other modifications made the house wheelchair friendly and Ebony came home insisting that she wouldn’t be a nuisance.

The first few weeks were very exasperating as Ebony still had a very sharp mind with a tongue to match. Cynthia was feeling the pressure of the demanding nature of the personal care required but a few phone calls to the district home nurse and other support agencies seemed to ease the burden, but most of all Cynthia and her husband had their daily chats with their Heavenly Father and as was their custom during their daily devotions, they waited to hear God’s voice. These three way spiritual catch ups were invaluable as both Cynthia and her husband could lie back in the arms of Jesus for strength, guidance and peace.

It was during this time that as Cynthia was sharing God’s goodness and blessings with her Mum that Ebony started to hum a hymn that she remembered from her childhood but couldn’t quite remember all the verses, insisting that there were definitely six verses and that she could only remember four. This meant that Cynthia would have to ask Mr.Google for help and as she produced the printed version with all six verses Ebony’s joy was palpable leaving mother and daughter singing together with tears in their eyes as they worshipped together thanking God for His faithfulness.

Ebony’s husband had passed away ten years ago and she has taken a great delight in her five children, fifteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. As the whole family were aware of her condition there were regular visits that were filled with laughter, some tears and reminiscing and Ebony was totally at peace stressing that she was ready to go home to be re-united with her husband.

The daily ritual of administering a variety of medications as prescribed by Ebony’s doctor was having a depressing, negative effect on her and she insisted that she had had enough of “all that poison”, requesting only morphine patches for pain management.
The district home nurse advised that this was a normal reaction indicating that Ebony was simply taking charge of the only things she could still control and that the family should prepare for her passing. However, Ebony must have a pact with the Lord as she gradually started to improve to the extent that she was no longer confined to her bed and more amazingly was able move around using a walking frame.

Ebony has simply responded that the Lord has promised that He is preparing a place for her and because it is a busy time of year He is quite busy at the moment.

The family are grateful for the special blessing of time they have been granted.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 674 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Christina Banks
11/22/12
Finding out that a loved one is on the verge of death is very difficult, but it is a blessing when those improvements come, even if they are for only a time. I am coming on the fourth anniversary of my grandfather's death. I feel privileged to have been able to assist in his care during the last few years of his life.
Lynda Lee Schab 
11/23/12
Touching entry, on topic. This is indeed a challenging and emotional time to face in our lives.

I felt the story itself was a little too "telling" and might have had more impact with some dialogue between Cynthia and her mother. But overall, a great effort. It's clear you have a gift for storytelling. Keep writing!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/25/12
This is a lovely tribute. I remember when my mom died very unexpectedly and rather young the pain was intense. A few years later when her mom was getting ready to pass on, it was totally different. Mom had been my best friends and my siblings didn't grieve in the same way that I did. Though Mom was 57, it still was so hard on Grandma--no matter the age, a parent doesn't ever want to bury a child. Grandma and I filled a need for each other and we became extremely close. We both really knew how the other was hurting. When she made the decision to let nature take its course it was incredibly hard for me. It shouldn't have been I should have been rejoicing in the knowledge that Grandma would see Jesus.

I just noticed a couple of tiny things like eighty-seventh should have a hyphen.

You make so many great points in this piece. You did a nice job of covering the topic and relating a real life story to what God says in the Bible. Nicely done.
C D Swanson 
11/27/12
Touching, beautifully done and said. Thank you for this tribute of love and faith. God Bless~
Myrna Noyes
11/29/12
I really enjoyed this inspiring story! CONGRATULATIONS on your "Highly Commended" ranking! WAY TO WRITE!! :)