My mother became ill and was diagnosed with cancer. I was just a teenager. Her battle was a strong one. Throughout her illness, I saw a spiritual change in her. A soul that once was very disconnected from God gently came to call upon His Name, seek out the Sacraments and be reconciled in forgiveness. On the night before she died (February 21, 1988), she asked me to get her pink rosary from her jewelry box and help hold it for her as she prayed. I didn't know what a rosary was but I did as I was told.
It was just my mom and me in the living room that night. There are no human words available to express what my soul felt as I knelt before her. I was just doing what my mom asked of me, helping her in her sickness and wanting to help hold this beautiful piece of jewelry adorned with a crucifix so that she could pray.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was as real to me that night as I am to you, filling the living room as my mom prayed. Such a great feeling of love, peace and the warmest hug a soul could ever experience! I knew that my mom was dying, but God told me, "She's going to pass but you will be okay." She fought as hard as she could, but the disease eventually overcame her.
The next night my mom passed away. I kept her rosary and had it in my pocket all the time. Even though I didn't know the prayers yet, I loved it because I knew my mom's hands had prayed on those beads. My soul clung to the Holiness it represented.
I am fully convinced that my mother's passing is what gave me my spiritual birth. It was death that brought my soul to life (and hers too). To make my beautiful faith journey to Christ and salvation short, I entered R.C.I.A. classes at Saint Peter's Catholic Church in Huron, OH in the Fall of 1988 and was received into full communion at the Easter Vigil Mass!
My mom's rosary was unfortunately stolen from my car one windy night. I was devastated but have been praying ever since that whoever stole it would be touched the same way I was. God's mercy and power are so strong! I now carry a simple cord rope rosary with me every day and each time I reach for it to pray, my Mom is on my mind. It is my connection to her still.
My heart is absolutely full of LOVE and thanksgiving for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has so lovingly sought me through the years, seen me through some deep valleys, allowed me to get bruised and scratched when I chose to turn from Him, welcomed me back when I realized my sins and confessed them, shared in my greatest accomplishments and has constantly reminded me with the most loving voice: "Denice, I love you. I need you. The world needs you. Trust Me."
I don't know what tomorrow will bring for me but I can say that if my life were to come to a sudden end, my earthly journey with Christ has been worth EVERY hardship and worth EVERY blessing. The memory of my mom has remained in my heart and my love for Jesus grows stronger everyday!
Thank you to everyone that has played a pivotal role in my Christian faith! I lift each and everyone of you up in prayer. Jesus, I trust in YOU!
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” Psalm 139:7-8
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