My favorite pic of my mom in her later years

Down below, I posted that it was 8 years ago today that my precious mother took off for heaven. Here is my favorite pic of mom in her later years. It was made probably some 12-15 months before her death.

Mom was so proud of her three girls, her seven grandchildren, and her two great-grandchildren (Ashley and Zach.) I love this pic of mom made with Granny Nonie, Mommy Dee, and Baby Zach. How I wish Mom could have lived to have seen her other great grands: Jarrett, Isabella, Joshua, Tayler, Jaden, Kayleigh, and Jackson! Of course, with Dad's homegoing way back in 1986, he missed out on all of the great-grands. It is my prayer that all of our family members come to know Christ (if they haven't already made that decision) so that we can have a wonderful FAMILY REUNION in Heaven for all of eternity!

Eight Years Ago Today ~~ Shocking and So Sad

For my sisters and me, July 13, 1999 was a terribly shocking and sad day. We each received a call from the nursing home where Mom resided letting us know that she had passed away early that morning. I received my call at just minutes after 8:00 a.m. I remember exactly where I was standing and exactly what I was doing when the phone rang. It's amazing how a phone call can forever change your life. Mom had been placed in the nursing home less than a week earlier after weeks of hospitalization with her congestive heart failure. We didn't expect her to leave us that soon, but GOD WAS GRACIOUS to take her on home to Heaven. She survived 13 years following Dad's death in June 1986. I know I speak for Karen and Nonie, too, when I say how much I miss my parents. Though the raw pain of the deep grief no longer resides in my heart, there are so many times when I wish I could talk to Mom about this or that or ask my Dad something about the Bible or living the Christian life. Our joy is in knowing that they are safely arrived at home in Heaven and that we will see them again. Dad & Mom~~~ thank you for loving me, raising me, and for showing me by example how to live the abundant life. Enjoy the wonders of being with Jesus, and I'll see you soon. ~~Love, Susan

My parents and me on my wedding day ~~ September 29, 1973