Mom Beckie

My mother-in-law, Beckie, will be 93 in April. She is sassy, funny, and never meets a stranger.  She's retired several times, the last time when she was 90.  She's slowed down a bit over the past few years, both physically and mentally.  It's been difficult giving up her car, and the independence of coming and going as she pleases.

We still play cards with her almost every Friday night.  I'm sure it's the highlight of her week; so much so, that she naps so that she can stay up late.  If she doesn't have it on already, I'll go and get her fuzzy blue housecoat.  She stays colder now than in the past.  She'll always ask if we've eaten...even though we always have.  Then she'll ask if I want some coffee.  In other words, she hopes someone will go and make her a cup.  She always drinks it black.  

After a fall last year, she used a walker around the house.  She soon gave that up for a cane, but now we have to remind her to use it.  She always assures me that she can "just hold on to things" until she gets where she wants to go.

She still cooks her own breakfast, makes her own bed, and does her own laundry.  The housekeeping is done by my sister-in-law who lives with her.  Her favorite outings are to see Miss Dawn to get her hair done, and lunch on Sunday at Cracker Barrel.  If you happen to be sitting at the next table, I know you will be good friends before you leave, and she will probably offer you her left-overs.  When we take her meals, or she eats dinner at our house, she always says, "Good supper!  Good supper!"

I have known this lady since I was 20 years old.  To my recollection, we have never had an argument, while I know she hasn't agreed with me on quite a few occasions.  She's my second mother, and now that my own mother is in heaven, she's the next best thing.

I know unless the Lord intervenes, she probably doesn't have too much time left here on earth, but I will treasure the hours until then.  She is certainly looking forward to meeting her Jesus, and being reunited with J.C., the love of her life.  Every night she prays, "Lord, I'm ready to go if you take me while I sleep tonight", and in the morning she says, "Well, I guess there must be something more You want me to do."  She's been planning her funeral for years, and each week gives us an update on any changes she's made.  LOL!  She assured me just last week of the day she accepted Jesus as her Savior, just so I know where she's going.  (Like anyone who knows her doesn't know that!)  Her Bible and prayer journal are only a hand's reach away from her rocking chair, along with her crochet needles and thread.

She's calling us almost daily now, making sure to say she loves us.  Does she know something that we do not?  Maybe Jesus is softly whispering her name.  She is ready...  I am not quite ready to let go.

Copyright 2014 Charlotte Laney