A friend posted this picture and bit of inspiration on Facebook this morning.  I liked it and thought I should repost it but I didn’t.  Ehh … I figured I would get another dose of inspiration tomorrow from somewhere else.  But it still nagged at me … it seemed so important … but I didn’t know how to share it.

Then I got a phone call.

Ted’s mom had gone to the hospital several days ago with chest pain.  After tests and several days of hospitalization, it was determined that she had not had a heart attack and they were working on getting her better so to send her home.  Ted’s dad called and after our exchange of “Hello” and “Hello” he exclaimed, “Mom went home today.”  “Oh great – you guys are home from the hospital?” I replied.  “No, mom went home,” he repeated.

“No…” I said.

Mom had been battling the long term effects of rheumatoid arthritis.  It had weakened and stiffened her heart and lungs.  She is a hero in both Ted’s and my eyes for the years of pain and challenges she endured – and endured for the most part with little complaining.  She valued life and fought hard.  But for the past weeks, it had become so hard to breathe.  I believe God decided she had fought and suffered enough and called her home to Him.  He snatched her away from us lowly people here and wanted to see her moving painlessly and with joy on those streets of gold.

So the above picture and saying suddenly hit home in a big way.  How thankful we are for the “I’m glad I did’s” that occurred.  Ted had just spoken on the phone last evening with his mom.  He told me today, “I’m glad I talked to her last night.”  And our daughter Jillian and her husband had taken the time this past April to stop and see her on their hurried trip across the state before leaving the country.  They were “glad they did.”

Mom Greshel was a woman of faith who was an inspiration to us all.  I thank her for being mom to my husband who she raised to be a man of God.  Ted loves his Lord with all his heart and adores his wife and children.  Her are two photos of her and Ted’s dad with their first born – Teddy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now, another bit of inspiration that was posted on Facebook as people today mourn the passing of Maya Angelou.  I did not know who she was.  But I have seen many quotes by her today.  And as the family of Lois Greshel cry at her departure from this life, let us remember what is really important in life.

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

I know that I am going to try to keep living life doing things that “I’m glad I did.”  By the time you “wish you had” it’s too late.

… love you Mom Greshel …

just Laurel

Psalm 23:1-6 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Ecclesiastes 3:4  A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.