Two years ago today, I remember waking up to a beautiful summer morning. But with a heavy heart. I knew that today was going to be the day that Mom was going to leave us and start a new journey. The day before Mom wasn't doing very good at all, and we all knew that her body was getting tired and starting to shut down. As I started to get dressed for the day, Jennie had sent me a message and told me that I needed to get out to the house as soon as I could because Mom wasn't doing very good at all. So I rushed to wake up my little ones, pulling them out of their beds by their toes and throwing clothes over their little bodies. As I was hurrying to do this Dad and Jennie both called me again saying, "You need to HURRY, Mom doesn't have much longer!" We all piled into the suburban and I raced to Mom and Dad's as fast as I could. The whole time wondering how I was supposed face what I had waiting for me inside that house! For days I'd tried to prepare myself for this moment.....nothing you do can prepare you! The minute I walked into the house I could hear Mom's raspy breathing. My kids and I made our way over to Mom. I kissed her on the forehead and told her that I loved her and that I was going to miss her, but that we'd all be okay here and not to worry. Then Bryndi, Britton and Bradyn gave her a hug and told her that they loved her very much. Mom didn't want to go. In between every raspy breath you could hear her saying "No." Dad kissed her and calmed her down. Within minutes she totally relaxed. Each breath she took becoming more and more shallow and more and more spaced out until she took her very last breath and then let go. For just a minute I felt as if my own heart had stopped. Mom was gone. Part of me felt a sense of relief while the other part of me just wanted to wake up from this terrible nightmare! I do remember such a peaceful feeling coming over us after Mom had passed. I think that was Heavenly Father's way of letting us know that He had her by the hand and that all is going to be okay. From the time I had gotten to the house till the time that Mom passed away was only ten minutes. I'm so glad that you waited for the Rigby's Mom! We love you very much, and think of you every day!
THE DAY GOD CALLED YOU HOME
God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon His earth,
And saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
His garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain,
And he knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult,
He closed your tired eyes,
He whispered to you "Peace be Thine"
And gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping
So calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth
To suffer once again.
You've left us precious memories,
Your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children,
You're always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
On the day God called you home.
