Today is Tuesday, January 23, 2007, and it is a bittersweet day because today we are celebrating Auntie Mae’s 91st birthday by having a birthday party for her at the nursing home. The celebration will include hats, balloons, cards, gifts, and a visit to the chapel. However, today is also the day that we are going to withdraw my mother’s life support and be at her side as she begins her journey back home to be with Our Lord.
When I told Auntie Mae that we’re going to give Mumma back to God she said, “You shouldn’t cry, but rejoice in the life she lived.” I said, “Auntie, no one will ever love me the way Mumma loved me.” She looked at me and said, “No one can take the place of a mother’s love. Your mother will be gone now and as for me, well, I’m half gone, as she kissed her fingertips then raised her hands to the heavens. So be careful what you do she instructed. Be careful around your friends and with money. Watch out for the vultures! Open your eyes and you will see them. You have to watch out for the sneaky ones. I always feel better when I see you. You’re like a bundle of joy. When are you gonna take me home?” Fighting back the tears knowing that this evening at 7:30, I would be at my mother’s bedside to hold her hand and walk with her on her journey back to God, all I could say was, “Soon Auntie Mae, real soon. I love you. I’ll see you later, okay?” “Okay dear,” my aunt replied.
