Part of God's Plan

Timing.

The past few weeks have been challenging, sad, full of memories, family gatherings, and many tears. Through it all there has been evidence of God's plan.  Really.

Agnes and Leo were married for 66 years and they did just about everything together.  After his death in March and her battle with bladder cancer, we knew that she wanted to be with him again, 

Leo died on Thursday, March 31. Agnes called Gary at 5:45 a.m. to tell him she couldn't wake up his dad in the recliner. 

Agnes died on Thursday, November 10, at 6:05 a.m. In the hospital bed which was positioned across the room from Leo's recliner.

Same day of the week.  Same time frame.  Three feet from each other in the same room.

Both visitations were on Monday.  Both funerals were on a Tuesday.

Timing. 

The casket she liked for Leo the kids also picked for her, so they are buried in identical caskets. 

Same pall bearers.  Jim preached both funeral messages.  Our ladies group served lunches for both. 

Agnes told Karen after Leo's death that she wanted to be buried in the dress she wore for Karen and Clay's wedding 10 years earlier.  We were not sure where it was, but we had time to locate it.  When Karen walked upstairs, the dress was hanging on a door at the top of the stairs. Evidently Agnes had made her way upstairs, found the dress, and had hung it on the door so it would be easy to find. 

November 14 was the date for the court to decide whether to move Owen a step closer to being adopted.  The previous date in September had been cancelled because neither birth parent appeared for the hearing. A couple of weeks before Agnes died, Hilary and Blaine were notified that the November 14 date was cancelled and the new date was set for sometime in Januray. They were upset, understandably so.  However, if it hadn't been moved, Hilary and Blaine would have had to ask for a change due to the visitation be in the same day. It was definitely better for them not to ask for the court date to be changed. It had already been done. 

And finally...my retirement.  During the last 10 days of her life, Agnes needed someone with her 24 hours a day.  Sandy was working.  Karen was working. Gary was in the field.  But I wasn't working.  I could be with her.  I could meet with the hospice entrance nurse and the social worker.  I could talk with the nurses who visited.  I could assist the CNA who came to bathe her and help her feel fresh and rejuvenated. I could fix strawberry milkshakes, freshen iced water, and find fresh clothing when she needed it. Several friends mentioned that God had a way of seamlessly easing me into retirement so He could use me to help my dear sweet mother-in-law during her last days on earth. 

Timing .  God's plan. Perfect.