THE PASTOR’S EPISTLE

With Mother’s Day coming soon, I have been thinking about my Mother, who went home to be with the Lord seven years ago. In going through some old papers, I found this article I wrote in April, 1988 for the May Mother’s Day issue of my church’s newsletter, and I would like to share it with you.

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“Thank God For Mother”

As I write this article, my mother is standing at my father’s bedside, holding his hand., stroking his brow, speaking softly to him. He is probably not even aware of her presence, as he moans in pain, his body sometimes jerking spasmodically. He is dying, a victim of a dreadful disease…Alzheimer’s. Once weighing over 200 pounds, he is now barely over 100. Once a tall, strong, rugged man, he is now gaunt, weak, and stooped.

For years, now, Mom has been visiting him every day…feeding him, talking with him, taking care of him.. In the midst of his struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease, amazingly, she has fallen in love with him all over again.

She has shown this incredible level of love and care for each member of our family throughout our life with her. No matter what happens, she is always there to encourage, challenge, support and love us. In her eyes, we are all precious. We are hers. And we love her.

On this Mother’s Day, I salute the woman who brought me into this world…who has given me so much. She is a precious gift from God. I love you, Mom.

Remember your mother this Mother’s Day. Thank God for her!

+Pastor Elmer

(P.S.: This article was written the morning of April 13, 1988. At 1:00 P.M. that same day, Pastor Elmer’s father died.)