August 2010

Dear Friends at Good Shepherd,

For my Pastor’s Corner this month, I want to share two very powerful, very personal pieces or poems with you. The first is the poem that my wife, Kristin, wrote after my mom had passed away. Many of you are in the “sandwich” generation with us, and have had or will have the possibility of caring for an elderly parent or in-law. Kristin’s words beautifully and powerfully capture both the challenges and the joys of caring for someone you love as they prepare to die. The second is a poem we found after my mom’s death, a poem my mom wrote as a gift for us to help us let go and to let us know that she is at home in God’s eternal care.

You and I

You came to live with us.   I resisted.
After all, I was busy and didn’t need more responsibility. And I wanted that space.
     You filled it, though. Along with all the others who came to be with you and help you.
     I sometimes felt overwhelmed and a stranger in my own home.
But you had many needs.   And I wanted to respect and meet them.
It is true that when there’s work to be done, I can’t ignore it.
     You liked things a certain way.   I tried to pay attention.
     If I could be proactive to anticipate your needs, then I could avoid criticism!
You’ve always been very determined and feisty, with an “I can do it myself” attitude.
I saw you accept our help, most of the time very graciously.
I bet that was sometimes hard for you.
     You stayed much longer than anyone anticipated.
     I prayed a lot for the strength to continue.
     God kept telling me to take care of you and to trust Him.
You said it was your time.
I had heard you say that before, but perhaps with less conviction.
It didn’t seem like I should think your exit was imminent.
     Besides, you were asking God for a little more time because you had a few more gifts to make.
     I’ve always admired that about you – your generous, giving heart.   You taught your son well.
You shared with me that you want him to take better care of himself.   I listened.
After all, you are a mother who loves her son very deeply. You and I have that in common.
     You were struggling a little more to breathe, yet we were in our usual routine.
     I heard you grumble you’d have to get the 7-Up yourself.
     That was kind of typical of you when we didn’t respond fast enough, so I thought you were okay.
You and I were together at the end. You were clearly leaving, and I was trying to help you be comfortable.
I hope you were.
     Your space is empty now.
     I miss you, but I am grateful we had this time together. God was good to give it to us.
You are with Him, and I am happy for you!   Please know that I love you very much.

By Kristin Davis, for Dorothy Davis, June 26, 2010

Safely Home

Memories are a gift from God to those left behind.
     They bring comfort, joy, and laughter, and they enable us to live,
     Forever in the hearts of those we loved.
Now safely home, oh so happy and so bright.   There is perfect joy and beauty.
     In this everlasting life, all the pain and grief is over.   Every restless tossing passed.
I am now at peace forever and safely home in God’s own land at last.

By Dot