It was a terrible time for me in the year 2002. With my brother & father both deceased, I still had my sister and mother.  However, the Lord decided to take my mom. Going back and forth from North Carolina to Staten Island, New York, to visit her was so difficult for me. She would cry to me about being lonely and only wished God would take her to see Daddy and John (my brother). 

She finally got to come home.. and for a while we thought she'd do okay. Then the worst happened. It was the week of my youngest son's wedding. He was getting married the second Friday in June and the wedding was to be held in Greensboro, NC. That Wednesday, my sister called and said, "Mom is in a coma.  You need to come now!"   I was so upset.  I said, "I need to be here for Raymond's wedding.  As soon as the wedding is over, we will fly up."  I kept in touch every day.

Friday came and the wedding was absolutely beautiful! I cried for my son, and cried for Mom not being able to see her grandson married. We got home Saturday morning and booked a flight for Sunday morning. Once we got to the Hospital, my sister said, "Don't even bother talking to Mom, she can't hear you."

I never take "no" for an answer. I was Mom's baby girl...she'd hear me!!!! So...I gently leaned over and whispered in her right ear, "Mom...it's me, Irene.. your baby girl... and... it's Sunday!"  I always called her on Sunday!   "I love you," I said.  I held her right hand, the same hand that had tubes in them.  I leaned over again, and whispered how much I loved her... and,  "It's okay for you to go... Daddy's waiting and so is John."  I kissed her, and told her I loved her. 

At that moment she squeezed my hand, and turned her head towards me.  My sister jumped up running out to get the doctor.   My Mom squeezed my hand again. The nurse told me it was just a twitch... I didn't care what she told me at that point.   My mom squeezed my hand and moved her head! 

It was days later that Mom's wish to be off life support was granted. She passed away on June 12th.  I was not happy with God.  He took my dad, brother, both my in-laws, and now my mom. 

I floundered through religion, trying to get back to the Catholic Church, but the people were so unfriendly.  That was when my son, Mike told me about Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  I was hesitant at first.  After going for awhile, I felt God touching my soul, healing my pain.  I know Mom's  smiling down on me now.  I found a new church home! Thank you Holy Cross Lutheran Church!!!