I want to start off by thanking each of you who have prayed for us as we’ve cared for my Mom these past few weeks. What a huge support and help you’ve been to us. Thank you!
It is with sadness for me and gladness for her that I tell you my amazing mom left this world on Saturday, December 15, 2012, in order to join the great cloud of witnesses the Bible speaks about. I have one more treasure in Heaven that causes my heart to long all the more for the day when we’ll be reunited.
But what I really want to share with you is how Tom has helped me through this highly emotional and challenging season. For the sake of time I’ll put them in bullet points so you can read them quickly:
- He has listened when I needed to talk.
- He has held me when there were no words, only tears.
- He has spoken wisdom when I was being distracted.
- He has prayed for me when he lacked the words to encourage.
- He has cleaned our kitchen, done the laundry, cooked meals and even ironed clothes.
- He has guarded me by taking phone calls when I was too upset to talk.
- He has helped me and my siblings as we made some really hard decisions.
- He has loved my mom like his own.
- He was willing to sleep on the couch so I could sleep in the only available bed at my Mom’s house.
- He washed my car.
- He understands this period of grieving is a necessary part of the process, and he is patiently helping me through it.
- He has reminded me over and over how much he loves me.
With my Mom’s passing and my Dad’s passing 9 years ago, I no longer have parents to care for and love. It is a strange feeling, like being orphaned. Yet I know God is my Father, and He has promised He will never leave me nor forsake me. What a precious promise that has become even more valuable to me in these difficult days.
My life is consumed right now with helping my sister and brother settle her estate, something we’ve never done. God has blessed me with the best siblings–we get along very well and will work together towards the same goal–honoring my Mom’s wishes in every detail. I’m hoping to post now and then, but I can’t make a daily commitment at this point. I know you understand.
May your Christmas be filled with precious moments as you worship the One who came to earth and changed everything.
The Romantic Vineyard 
Deb I can understand how much Tom’s help meant to you. He was there for me first with my Dad then with Mom and he too was my life saver. I never realized how much he’d done until later. He never spoke of the things he took care of and that made them even that much more important. I too know the feeling of being orphaned and it is a sad place at first as you adjust to that but you have siblings to love and love you back so treasure those. I know your Mom and Dad are with my parents and all the other witnesses as well. God Bless you and the whole family as you go through this difficult change. Love Joey and Jamey
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sorry of course mine should say James was with me.
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May you be comforted with the knowledge that your mom was loved and cared for to the very end…
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Take all the time you need, sometimes sorrow is long and missing someone is the right feeling. I am sorry you lost her, I am sad for you. take good care of yourself in the midst of this ‘difficult time’.
It is nice you are not alone on this journey.
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Listen to “I’m Spending Christmas With Jesus This Year” byBrenda Ontko on U-tube. I recently lost my mother,too and this is a special song to me.I’m sorry for your loss.
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I THANK GOD EVERY DAY FOR BLESSING ME WITH MY SON TOM. HE IS SO CONSIDERATE OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I LOVE THAT HE CHOSE DEBI FOR HIS WIFE AND PARTNER. SHE IS A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO OUR FAMILY.
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So sad for you. May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Remembering you and your family in prayer.
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May you know God’s love and comfort in this time of sorrow.
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Tom & Debi,
I know this is a very sad time for you.
I also believe that all you’ve gone through recently is yet another reason why you will both hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” at your journey’s end. Thank you for all you do in Christ.
~Jason
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Debi, I am so sorry to hear about your mom, but we all know at this moment, she wouldn’t trade places with any of us. Remember that song-“If you could see me now, I’m walking streets of gold, if you could see me now, I’m standing tall and whole, if you could see me now, you’d know I’ve seen his face, if you could see me now, you’d know the pain has been erased, …you wouldn’t want me to ever leave this perfect place, if you could only see me now. ” I’ve sang this song at many funerals for people and it is such an encouragement. I really pray that you will enjoy your Christmas with beautiful memories that you have made with your mom. Have a Merry Christmas 🙂
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Sorry for your loss. So glad we were able to meet her at the reunion in 2008.
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Thank you, Jim. We are grateful now more than ever for that reunion. It was a high point in Mom’s life.
God bless you.
Debi
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