This past five years since Mom has lost Dad, we as a family have watched her decline in health. Twice we have nearly lost her from various types of illness. She has been again admitted to hospital after a fall that has cracked a bone in her hip.

I received the call on Friday morning shortly after arriving in Montana on a quick business trip. I returned back to Canada and today drove another three hours to see Mom.

Its hard as a child no matter how old you are to watch a parent slowly decline and all your are able to do is watch and pray for God's peace to be with them.

Mom has always been a fighter, something you learn in life after living through what she has. At 89 she has just simply gotten tired, this past five years of living without Dad, who Mom was married to for 63 years.It has been a time of showing her strength to her children but the will to carry on has all but diminished.

Even though we live 3 hours away a quick call to say we were coming would be enough to send her to the kitchen a few days early to plan a meal. Cooking and baking and blessing everyone was her call this past few years. Nothing you could do or say would change a thing...she was just being a Mom.

She would run circles around that lazy energizer bunny. Cooking, crafts of all sorts and at 75 becoming an accomplished artist, as her paintings bless all of her children's walls. We are so proud of Mom, she would say if you want to learn you just get out and do it.

This picture was taken on one of the last wonderful visits we had where after the meal was served, she was tired. I tucked her in on the couch, she said no more than 15 Min's son. Nearly two hours slipped away as she rested. Mrs. Quill and I just sat quietly reading and praying over her rest.

I had the privilege of leading both Mom and Dad to the Lord back in 2001, as I sit now and reflect over these past few years without Dad I know that I will have the same peace I had as Dad slipped away. What happens to Mom over the next while does not scare me what so ever as I know where she will be going will be a far better place than she is now.

My Dad always blessed us children with a sign of the Cross on our foreheads, that was a powerful blessing to receive from a Dad, it was his way of showing us that he cared and deeply loved each of us.As the eldest son the responsibility of the blessing has been passed onto me.

Because of medication, Mom was very confused at times seeing things that were not there. Focusing on any one thing for long was hard for her, keeping a conversation was all but impossible. At times seeing things around the room. It is hard to watch our once independent Mom like this and as we were leaving I asked if we could pray for her.

Almost immediately she calmed and as I blessed her this frail hand came up and held my hand as she savored the moment. She looked deep in my eyes and thanked me. A precious moment to hang onto as she again returned into that unsettled and confused state.

What God has in store next is yet another question I have that weighs heavy on my heart as I write. It is with heavy heart that I again return to the Lord as pray His blessing for peace over Mom as we all await His will to be done.

Just rest Mom...Just rest...