Everything We Need {Held Secure}

Eighteen days away from home - first, driving from our state to their state, and then for each of fifteen days we drove back and forth from their condo to the hospital. And now, we are driving back home from their state to our state - and we are filled with thanks for God's strength, presence, and love.

We are exhausted, and we are filled up. We are thankful, and we are tearful. We have been on "holy ground" as we walked together with my dear sweet sis-in-law, and with my loving, caring brother. We have experienced things that we have never experienced before as we walked with them into hospice care, and then as we released our sweet Margy. I need to ponder, and hold the memories of these last days close, and allow God to gently mold and shape my heart to hold more of Him. For more tears can result in more need. Of Him.

The last words that I read to my sis-in-law, and then read again (rephrased in the form of a prayer for her) reveal not only her need, but my need.  

"The Lord is my Shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

He leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to His name.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for You are close beside me."

(Psalm 23:1-4)

We are the richer for having walked this path together with those we love. Gaining deeper glimpses into life. And into death. And into His provision of all that we need.

Photo above: beautiful blue (a favorite color of Margy's) hydrangeas near the entrance of the Ohio hospital - framing our place of "holy ground". With a fragrance of sweet Margy.

Linking up with:
Still Saturday
The Sunday Community