Depart in Peace

On Tuesday, Pastor Marcus Ring (the new Pastor at St. Paul), came to give Mommy communion. (He was going to Monroe for a Pastors' conference.) He said he had heard so much about "Margaret" from so many people at St. Paul, so he was glad to meet her.

She barely mumbled, but said "Amen" in the right spots, so she knew what was going on.

The readings and hymn he chose were definitely "last rites" material. When he was leaving, she told him "Thank you for going to all the trouble (of coming to see her)."

Today (Thursday) Pastor Paul came to give her communion, also. She was more despondent and not as aware of what was going on. He sang a couple of hymns for her, too. He really noticed the decline from how she was last time he saw her. Instead of saying "See you next month" like normal, he said, "You have my number."

I've been playing hymns sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and some of her favorite Bach on her cassette player. It is very calm and beautiful in her apartment, warm and cozy. Shadow is being very quiet and attentive to her. He can't get on the hospital bed, so he sleeps on a blanket on the floor.

Her sins are forgiven, and she is ready to go whenever the Lord calls for her.

~Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

which thou hast prepared, before the face of all people

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.~