One More Big Trip

What A Day of Rejoicing That Will Be

Dec 16, 2024

My grandma had been in hospice care for several months. She had lived a long full life—92 years to be exact. Eight kids, lots of grandkids, even more great grandkids, and three great-great grandkids. I’m grateful for the few moments I spent with her this past week as she was slipping from this life to the next.

A turn.

Last week I received a text from my dad letting my sister and I know that the nurse thought Grandma would pass within the next two weeks.

I began to sing an old hymn: “When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus we will sing and shout the victory.” My heart is full thinking Grandma will see Jesus face to face soon.

A meal.

Aaron and I drove out to Aunt Sher’s house Thursday evening to take dinner to her. Aunt Sher has faithfully cared for Grandma the last four years. We enjoyed a meal together and encouraged Sherry while Grandma lay peacefully in her bed a few feet away.

As we finished up dinner, it was time for Grandma’s meds again.

Gathering.

We gathered around her bed. Her eyes opened. A smile came across her face as she realized we were there. She thanks us for coming to see her.

I wanted to say something about her hair, but I thought better of it. I knew she would have a fit if she realized her hair was in disarray. Grandma always had her hair just so. She had a weekly hair appointment.

For several years, my stepmom Terri styled her hair weekly. I remember years ago when I was working as a stylist, Terri was on vacation and I was called upon to do the weekly styling. I was so nervous because Grandma was so particular about her hair. I’m pretty sure I didn’t meet her expectations because I wasn’t asked to do it again. LOL

Grandma apologized for being in bed. She said she was going to get up, but just decided to stay in bed. I told her she’d lived a lot of life and taken lots of trips and it was okay to just rest now. I asked about some trips her and grandpa took, trying to help her remember fun times. After her retirement, they were always traveling somewhere. My dad reminded Grandma of the time she called him and said, “Guess where we are? … The Beach.” They decided that day to go to the beach for a few days.

Dad said to Grandma, “Mom, you have one more big trip to take. Do you know where that is?” She can’t seem to come up with the answer. “You’re going to Heaven.”

“That’s right.” A smile forms on her face.

No fear.
No anxiety.
Just peace.
An assurance.
A knowing.

I remember the song I sang a few days earlier.

We surrounded her bed; me, Aaron, Dad and Aunt Sher—none of us great singers, but we began to sing.

“When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.” Grandma joins in with us. “When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.”

Over the next couple of days, Grandma declined more.

Her last big trip.

Her faith has been made sight. She’s seeing Jesus face to face.

We will celebrate her life this coming week.

We will also celebrate Jesus’s birth; I’m grateful for Immanuel — God with us.

We can experience Jesus’s presence here on earth, but I’m sure nothing compares to seeing Him face to face.

Share with me, which one of Jesus’s names brings you the most comfort?

The Lamb's Quarter

Discussion about this post