We have been in SC since last Sunday, August 3rd. Brad received a phone call from his mother that morning, and she told us that his grandmother, Margie was in the hospital and that the doctors expected her to make it only a few more hours, a few days at the most. We immediately packed our bags and drove straight to the hospital in Spartanburg to be with her. Sweet Margie suffered from Alzheimer's for at least five years, so it was no surprise that we were called to be by her side, but simply knowing what was to come, didn't make it any easier. When we arrived at the hospital, we were able to gather with most of Brad's family. Brad's brother, Josh and his wife Amanda, were gone on their honeymoon, so they were unable to be with us. However, we each took our turns talking to Margie and telling her how much we loved her, and how proud we were of her. We explained to her why Josh wasn't able to be there, and we talked as if she could hear and understand everything we were saying. It started to get late, so Brad and I chose to spend the night with her since we already had our luggage with us. When we were alone with Margie, Brad got another chance to talk with her. I was able to hear him pray with her, and thank her for a lifetime of memories and most importantly, he thanked her for telling him about Jesus. You see, it was precious Margie who first took Brad to church, and who taught him about the Bible, and who encouraged him to tell others about Jesus. It was amazing to get to stand by my husband and witness such a precious display of love.
The Lord did not take Margie that night, or the next or even the next night. Margie continued to show us her strength, and we continued to tell her how proud we were of her. Our prayer was not that the Lord would heal Margie so she could sit up and eat, and talk with us again, we knew that was unrealistic, and we knew that Margie was ready to go. However, our prayer was that Margie would be comfortable and that she would not be in pain, and that she would be at peace. The Lord answered those prayers and brought her home to be with Him Saturday morning. He was able to heal her in a way that the doctors couldn't. It has been a very long and tiring week, but I am so glad we got the chance to be here for Margie's last days. Our emotions have been on a rollercoaster as we laughed and cried, rejoiced for Margie's lifetime, and mourned the loss of such a wonderful woman.
This has been my first experience with death, and it's something that I've never felt comfortable talking about. But I felt compelled to tell you a little of our story. I have learned a lot in the last few days, and seen the amazing Grace of my Heavenly Father. I have also been so amazed by my husband's strength this past week and a half. Please continue to pray for us and our family during the next few days. Tonight we will receive friends at Wood's Mortuary and tomorrow will be the funeral. We will finally head back home to NC after the funeral tomorrow so keep us in your thoughts as we travel home and return back to work.
