Our Last Thursday

I am not sure why but I have been reflecting on our last Thursday before Stephanie died.  She died on Friday so by this time even I knew the end was near. I had felt like she was going to pass away that night.  She had wanted to attend my dad’s funeral the next day. On Wednesday, I had finally convinced her that I didn’t think she could make it the Idaho and back to the funeral. After some discussion she reluctantly agreed.  Shortly after that she had asked me to give her a priesthood blessing releasing her to return to her Father in Heaven.  

As much as she had wanted to go to my dad’s funeral I had felt like she would pass away and still be able to attend just have a different seat and vantage point. 

Also, on Wednesday Stephanie had said she wanted the kids at home.  So on Wednesday at noon I had checked the kids out of school.  Bedtime and some of the familiar routines had gone out the window.  Stephanie’s mom and dad and sister were at the house and my brother was staying to be there for me.  Stephanie slept most of the day but Thursday night she had been awake and talking to everyone.  I had always heard that before people pass away they rally one last time.  I had assumed that was her rally.

After getting the kids ready for bed the kids and I had a little talk outside our bedroom.  I was telling them that I thought there was a good chance that mom would pass away during the night. I told them that I would wake them all up so if they wanted to be there they could.  As I am doing my little talk, L looked at me and with 100% confidence said, “Dad, mom will be here in the morning!”  

I knew they had a strong bond but there was a part of me that felt like this was a boy just wanting to keep his mom around.  I kept going with my talk adding, “I hope mom is here in the morning too.”  Then kept explaining to them to make sure they said everything they wanted to say to their mom when they said good night to her. 

Once again, L said, “Dad, mom will be here in the morning!”  

We all went into the room so they could give her hugs and kisses and tell her good night.  

The next morning when Stephanie woke up talking and wanting to eat I went and woke all the kids.  L turned to me and said, “Dad I told you she would be here in the morning!”

I smiled and we all went into the bedroom to enjoy her last rally.