Today is her birthday . . .

She would be 88 years old today . . . if she was still with us. I would have called her on the phone, hoping she remembered me, knew my voice, could talk with some sense. We would have shared

a few words, some tears on my part, and maybe some from her side too.

I would have asked about her day . . . what did she have for dinner? Did my sister come to see her? What did she get for her birthday? Did my gift arrive in time? Was she enjoying it? (I usually sent her a Gaither music DVD to watch or listen too - whatever she was able to do.) I always sent birthday cards, and most of the time, a hand full of pictures . . . of the girls, the work in Ghana, what is happening in our lives, the girl's school work. At the end, she could not even see those pictures. (This picture, taken during Jim's last visit, shows her looking good, gaining weight, looking at him with intelligence and still a little twinkle in her eye. I talked to her on the phone the day this picture was made . . . Jim and my sister and brother-in-law in the room too.)

Today, I remember her birthday, but I cannot talk to her now. She has gone to the place of rest she worked her whole life to gain. She has fought her fight, finished her course, and KEPT THE FAITH!!!

Today, she is not confused. She is not talking about her long dead relatives as though they had just stepped out of the room after a long visit. She is not suffering pain, nor brushing her teeth with toothpaste that scalds her mouth, because the nurses don't know it bothers her, and she can't remember enough to tell them. She is not crying because she just found out her Dad, Mom, brothers, sisters, and husband are all dead. (All of these experiences were part of my last visit with mother.)

Today, she is rejoicing around the throne. . . praising the one who called her home to be with Him. She is not sick, sad, lonely, hurting, or fighting the battle with alzheimer's. She is having a wonderful time . . . somewhere safe in the arms of the One who loves her more than I ever could, or ever did. Jesus is in charge of this birthday anniversary . . . and He does all things GOOD!!!