Mark 16:15
Posted on October 20, 2009 by lindsay in Cancer Updates, Faith, Memories, Moms Journey | 7 Comments
Yesterday Em and I went and fixed Mom’s hair and put on her makeup, it was very important to us that she looked like she did before she got sick. I have to be honest, we were a little uncomfortable at first. She was so still, so cold, so lifeless. But I had to remember that it was just her earthly body that we were looking at, that her soul was no longer there. But all I could think of was that it was the body I saw laying there that carried me for nine months, it was those hands that cared for me, that held me, that changed my diapers and those lips that kissed me good night. But Em and I were able to make light of the situation and joke with her while we dolled her up.
This morning the whole family arrived at the funeral home 45 minutes before the visitation was supposed to begin. They waited until everyone arrived and we all went in together. I didn’t think I would be very emotional but I just cried as I looked at my mom, looking the way she was just laying there. It was one thing to think of losing the mom I knew in the last couple of months. The mom that lived in a hospital bed at my grandparents, who spent her days being spoon fed and changed and turned from one side to the other because she couldn’t do those things for herself. I didn’t mind saying good bye to that mom. But this, this was the mom that I recognized, the mom that raised me, the mom that I talked to on the phone everyday, the mom that came to visit me, I didn’t want to say good bye to that mom.
One of the first things you noticed when you walked in the room was the flowers that were completely surrounding the casket. I was blown away. And for the first 2 hours of the visitation, the florists just kept bringing in more. They were on the side tables, in the entryway, on the floor. I think we estimated about 70 floral arrangements as well as six afghan’s.
From 12-4 we had a constant flow of visitors. Most of the time we could see the end of the line, but sometimes it stretched around the corner. We had a quick break from 4-5 where we all got about 20 minutes to eat and freshen up. Then we started again from 5-8. For the next 4 hours there was a line that stretched the length of the room, around the corner, out the room, down the hall, into the next room, wrapped around that room and back down the hall.
At the end of the night we did an estimated count of the guest book and there were around 825 people who came. Wow. Did I shake a lot of hands? You bet. Were my feet tired? Yep. Did I introduce myself over and over again? Sure did. Was I completely appreciative of every-single-person who took the time to come pay their respects to my mom and our family? Absolutely. I was so glad to meet every single person that knew my mom. I was so happy to see people that I already knew that were special to my mom. I was so proud to shake hands and say “Hi, I am Lindsay, Beth’s daughter.”
Mark 16:15 – He said to them, “Go out into all the world, and preach the good news to all creation.”
I heard story, after story, after story of the lives that my mom has touched. I heard people tell me things about my mom that I never knew. How she prayed for them when they were in need, how she tucked encouraging scripture in their mailbox at work, how she told them about her Savior. My mom lived out this scripture. She went into her world, to her co-workers, her peers, her classmates, her professors, and she preached the good news through her words and her actions.
My mom has inspired me to be a better Christian. She has inspired me to speak more boldly about the One who died for me. She only lived for 49 years on this earth, but they were 49 full years.
Many people have said “there are always a lot of people at a young persons funeral.” But people were not just there because my mom was young. They were there because she had shown them a love like Jesus. They were there because she lived a life worth honoring…a life like Jesus has called us all to live.
My mom lived a great life and was a wonderful example for me. And I am so proud to be her daughter.
Your words are very honest and open. Thank you for being open during this experience and revealing your heart on this website. I have read it faithfully every day even when there were no new entries. The absence of entries spoke loudly, too. Christianity is so much more that attending church, it is living like Jesus would live. Beth certainly did that and now her children are doing that. That is the most important legacy a person can leave. I was honored to wait in line last night to pay my respects and to talk with the guests who came from many different scenarios, but all had a common love and respect for your mom.
Julie McClintock
That was so beautifully spoken. It was nice to meet the sons and daughters of such a beautiful person. When I shook your grandmother’s hand she recognized me. Here she had taken care of my husband when he was sick with cancer and in the hospital. You can be so proud of your entire family as you represent such a wonderful legacy. I know what it is like to miss the earthly person that you loved so much, but in the days and years to come you will find that love NEVER dies. It stays with you your entire life. You can all reach out and up and your mom will be there. Not to touch physically but in your heart of hearts. It’s been 16 years and I still well up with tears and miss my husband but I know he’s still there for me. Sometimes its in a simple breeze or maybe a song but they are always there. If you ever need anything, please know I will be there to support you. The quantity of your mother’s life may have been shorter than planned, but the quality is what counts the most. Praise God for all his good deeds that shined through your mother.
You and your family are in our prayers.
Jim, Missy & Jace Cowan
What a wonderful day of worship – it was a funeral, but it was also a testimony to everyone – I now ask myself could a preacher say the same things about me and my life as a Christian, as a mother, as a wife, as a friend and is Jesus truly my closest friend? Today was very sad, but it was also very emotionally moving to hear the words of Pastor Abney. The music was inspirational and how magnificent to hear Matthew sing to his mother. I saw how much Beth was put through in this last year. She was a strong woman and will be truly missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
The tears are just flowing as I read your writing, Lindsay. Your mom was most certainly an inspiration and a woman of the Word. I will continue lifting your family up in prayer. Love you all, Wendy
Lindsay, I, too, have read your blog and appreciated the updates from you, and your grandma & grandpa. Like Wendy, tears are still coming when I think of your family. The funeral today was beautiful. Matthew did an extraordinary job with his song, as did Craig! Wow, I Can Only Imagine brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it, but he did an amazing rendition! I’m sure your mom would have loved the service. Please know my prayers are still with you all. Take care.
Lindsey, that was beautiful. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless.