Friday, February 13, 2009

leo's mom

leo with his parents ... in a time long long ago ...

leo's sister called this morning with the sad news that their mom had died ... she was 84 ...

we were expecting it ... yet to hear that she is now gone was still a surprise ... it has been many years since we last saw her ... she lived on the east coast and leo doesn't travel those distances anymore ...

leo had prayed that he might get one more chance to speak to her about the Lord ... to share his faith ... and the Lord was so very gracious in answering that request ... just this tuesday past, his sister had called from the nursing home and held the phone to his mom's ear while leo talked, prayed and even sang to her ... his sister said, "whatever you are saying to her, keep talking, she is moving her arm and her eyes are shining" ... so leo continued to talk about Jesus ... his mom had had a stroke and couldn't respond verbally ... she just made sounds ...

since i have started blogging, leo's eldest sister has died, as well as his dad ... now his mom ...

the verse "weeping may endure the night, but joy comes in the morning ... " does apply at these times in our lives ... death doesn't have to be the final goodbye ... heaven holds many surprise reunions - in the morning ....
* * * * * *
a little maria update - they were able to stabilize her again ... she is resting comfortably in the hospital ... let's hope they don't release her until she is stronger ...

23 comments:

Sita said...

"...her eyes are shining..."
A beautiful gift from the Lord...only His Presence can bring that Light...May Leo be comforted with this image...it's been a rough road lately for you all...May God grant you all a sweet relief..may He pour unexpected graces into your lives...
Love, Sita

Mari said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this loss, but yet what a blessing to know she is whole and you will see her again!
Thanks for the news on Maria as well.

Susan said...

Ao for your loss. I pray her mind was fixed on Jesus during her last hours.
Susan

jel said...

I'm really sorry, to hear that!



huggs

Anonymous said...

Oh, Saija I am sorry to hear of the loss of Leo's mother. Please give him my condolences. I am happy that Leo could share his faith with his mother. That memory will mean so much to you both,especially since Leo hasn't seen her for a number of years. My prayer is that you will have a special measure of God's peace and comfort during this time. I also continue in prayer for Leo's health as well as your sister Maria. Thank you for the update on Maria. God is good.

grammy said...

Sorry to hear about you hard times. I love that he got to speak to his mom and she seemed to be responding....i God gift to him I think.

Cathy said...

My deepest sympathy goes out to Leo and you. Bless his heart, I believe he really ministered to his Mother! Thank God he got to talk to her. I agree with Sita, those shining eyes mean something good!

Debra said...

So sorry to hear this, please send Leo my condolenses. When my parents passed away I felt a piece of me had also died! It is just so painful

Blessings to you guys!

Crown of Beauty said...

Hi Saija, I've been following your blog though not often do I leave a comment. I have prayed for Maria, and am believing for the time that her health will become more stable. Praying also for Leo, for this difficult time for him. May God be His comfort and strength. By the way I have posted one of your white white white pictures on my "Glimpse into my Garden" post last week with a little write up about the contrast in the seasons we are in. God keeps us through the seasons of our lives, Saija. Thanks for your Faith photo too! Beautiful! Happy Valentine's Day. May God keep you close to His heart.

Mimi said...

so sorry for your loss of Leo's mom...thank God that Leo was able to communicate with her one last time before she left this earth...I know that it means a lot to him to have that memory...
Blessings,
Mimi

daisymarie said...

Sending hugs and continuing prayers. I love that Leo's mom heard him and it showed. What a comforting assurance of the power of love. May you and Leo sense, ever more deeply, God's passionate and lavish love for you!

Debra said...

Oh Saija and Leo I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I'm praying that God will comfort you both at this difficult time. But what a blessing to minister to her over the phone! I'm believing a real miracle took place--I can just feel that you will all be reunited someday. God bless you both in the days to come.... Hugs, Debra

Maggie Ann said...

I am so sorry for your loss. How precious that Leo was able to talk to his Mom over the phone and that it meant so much to her and to him. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you both during this time of grieving. *hugs* & prayer. some day there will be no more death or crying..we have that sure promise, don't we.

Pat said...

I find it so difficult sometimes to express my sympathy..it never seems that it's enough. From the bottom of my heart, my prayers are with you all at this time.
I love this picture, it's absolutely beautiful.

donna said...

my prayers are with you and Leo..


blessings
donna

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for all the sadness you're going through :( But it's great that you have at least some bright joyful grains between the dark hours.

Anonymous said...

Dear Leo and Saija,
I tried to post this morning, but blogger stopped me.
My thoughts, sympathy and prayers are with the both of you.
It must be so very hard on Leo, being separated from his mother these last days.
I have praised God, though,that Leo was allowed to talk, pray and sing his mother to the arms of our Savior.
That's about the greatest gift a person can get here on earth.

Not in very long we will all unit in Heaven, oh, what a glorious day.
From Felisol

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Amrita said...

Dear Leo and Saija, My heart felt sympathy and condolences to you and your family.

God gave a chance to Leo to pray with his mother that is wonderful.And the way she understood what he was saying and her eyes shone a special gift from God.

May the lord comfort you at this time of grief.

Catherine said...

That is such a beautiful photo of baby Leo with his parents. I was so sorry to hear about his mom, but I'm so glad to hear that Maria has been stabilized. I am keeping you and Leo and your families in my thoughts and prayers.

Unknown said...

What a great picture with so many memories. God is a God of promise and He has given Leo's mom that promise as well to joy in the morning.. Good news on Maria too!!!

Gavin said...

I'm sorry to hear this Saija and Leo.

My Grandma has also had a stroke and cannot communicate anymore. She seems to be just hanging on. Sometimes I wonder why.

Gavin

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your and Leo's loss.