Saturday, November 22, 2008

Why I've Been Away For Awhile

I have had a crazy few weeks with no time or energy to blog. A couple of days after being elected pastor by the church that sent spies, (I really need to think of a new blog name for them now, huh?) I flew out West to visit my parents, sister and brother-in-law, and most importantly, meet my baby nephew who was born on October 20. He is a sweet, sweet boy!

The day after I arrived, my mom, sister and I went to see "The Secret Life of Bees," which was actually pretty good, but could never, ever live up to the book. Afterwards, we went to my parents place so I could raid my mom's closet. We were hanging out in my mom' s room when, my dad rushed in and tearfully blurted out, "Your mom died."

This was my Mema. She was 88 years old living by herself and did not have any diagnosis of a life-threatening disease or condition. She just fell down dead. She didn't even have time to push her "I've fallen and I can't get up" button on her wrist.

She was a fiercely independent woman and, I think, that this was probably exactly the way she would have wanted it. She lived alone, but had daily contact with my aunt who lived down the street. She wasn't in pain or living in a nursing home, which she would have hated.

The funeral was this past Monday here in my city and I preached. She didn't have a pastor, so rather than have someone who didn't know her do it, I agreed. I'm glad I did. It was a gift to my Mema, my family and myself. There's a lot more to say about that, but I don't think I will. My Mema and I had a complicated relationship, but I loved and admired her, even when she held me at arm's length.

I promptly got a cold the next day and it's getting worse. This is a hard time of year to slow down.

10 comments:

Rev SS said...

Good on you for this gift to your mema and family. Prayers for your speeding recovery.

Magdalene6127 said...

Oh, Iris... I'm so sorry. I'm keeping you and your family in prayer.

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

Wow, isn't that the best way to go? Living in one's own home, no pain, just...bam!

Prayers going up for you and the family.

Unknown said...

Iris, my heart goes out to you.

Sarah S-D said...

i've missed you, iris.

i keep thinking about that "printed the last paper then the water broke thing..."

keeping vigil for my sister's arrival tonight. the water can break once she gets here, but i'd really like time to clean our bedroom first. it is far from a fitting birthing room at the moment.

i'm grateful you were with your family at this complicated but important time.

i'm sorry to hear you're sick and sorry for your family's loss- i get complicated relationships with grandparents. i was just wondering the other day whether i'd go home when my last remaining grandparent dies. very complicated relationship. but if i went home for her husband which was a messed up beyond belief relationship, i suppose... i'll go home for her. and it could happen soon. so i suppose... it depends on the timing. i don't think i could officiate though. bless you for that.

i hope you can claim some rest over this holiday week (i know, who the heck am i kidding? it is the last week before advent...)

(((((iris))))))

Towanda said...

((iris))

Rev Kim said...

(((Iris)))

Hot Cup Lutheran said...

oh Iris... sympathies to you... on your loss and battling a cold... fooey! you just didn't that...

imngrace said...

((Iris)) Prayers of sympathy, but of thanksgiving, too.

Rest well. My cold hung on for almost three weeks. I hope yours is much more speedy.

Mary Beth said...

Sorry to hear about this. What a tough time!

I had a "Memamma" who kept me at arm's length also. Sigh.