This morning I looked in the mirror. I had dark circles under my eyes. Mascara smeared in the corners. Eczema has spread on my face from stress. I looked sad...worn out. The last couple of days written all over of my face.
I have spent the last couple of days up with my husband mourning the rapid decline of my Father in law. I have had thoughts in my mind for a while and now is the the time for me to compose them.
My "Pops" has taken a decline over the last couple of months and I have seen what it means for a woman to love a man.
They moved in April and his Alzheimer's did not do well with the move. To make a long story short, he was put in a home temporarily to calm him down. During that time, everything my Mother-in-law did was for him. She worked tirelessly to get the home set up for him. His chair, his office, locked cabinets. Every action was for him.
We then realized he was not coming home. Every thought then turned to making him comfortable, what he could eat, putting up pictures and decorating his new home. Her love for him shined through every thought and deed.
Friday, when he decided it was time to get ready to leave this Earth, she was by his side. I have had the pleasure of observing her nurturing actions over the last couple of months.
When a woman loves a man...she is kind. She is patient. She is tired yet endures to the end. She mourns.
With all going on, my mom was going to surprise me for my birthday. I called her crying on Friday. Saturday she sacrificed a lot to make it here late Sunday night. Even her blow dryer.
She came and helped in every way possible. She let me laugh. She let me cry. She cooked me a special dinner. She cleaned and did laundry.
When a woman loves a child...she nurtures. She protects. She serves.
I have watched my sister-in-laws lay by his side. They have worked to make him comfortable. Massages on his hands, cold cloths on his head. Kisses on his hands and forehead. Tears. Laughter. Sacrifice to be by his side.
When a woman loves her parents...she is loyal. She observes. She ministers.
Through all of this, all of us have relied on prayers. We have looked to the heavens for comfort. My sister-in-law said a wonderful family prayer. We know this is the plan our Father up Above has for each one of us. Even if it means giving up the ones we love while here on Earth.
When a woman loves the Lord, she obeys. She sacrifices. She finds comfort through Him.
I have found comfort in the love that I have observed. Even though I have baggy, dark eyes, these eyes have seen the greatest gift of all...L.O.V.E.
We will miss you POPS!
