Heaven is one of the great mysteries of life and the Bible. We get a glimpse through scripture. Many of us go through times where we wonder if heaven is real. We read true accounts of folks who have died and seen it. Scripture gives a glimpse and tells us there is no more pain. I still wonder. I still imagine. I still love to read personal experiences.
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4 ESV).
We learned through hospice that as people go through the process of dying, they become less connected with this world. They may see people who have passed which was true for Mom. There were many times when Mom would look as if she was in another world. Her eyes were distant. She didn’t hear our words. She shared many stories of those who came to visit. At times, we would hear her talking to them. It would be easy to say this was all in her head, but I believe Dad and others were there to help her ease into her next life.
As Mom neared the actively dying stage she said this, “I need to get ready to go. I need to brush my teeth, wash my face and brush my hair.” She continued saying she wanted to go home and then added, “We have to get everything ready. When Jesus calls, we will go.”
Hospice called this a hallucination. However, I have no doubt she was genuinely excited and ready to meet Jesus. She knew deep within her being that Jesus had prepared a place for her and it was grand. She didn’t need a perfect picture of heaven to believe it was real. She simply trusted the promise.
9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV).
The promise of heaven gave her strength and courage to face the end of her life here. Watching her make the transition, watching her joy, watching her faith has given me everything I need. It was hard to let go of someone so loved, but the promise of heaven carries me through.
Do you know the promise of heaven? What carries you through? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.
Mary, this is just beautifully written. Thank you!
Thank you.
Thank you, Candy.
Beautiful, my grandmother also was dying and said hi “Steve” and that was my cousin who was found dead outside by the train tracks in the winter a little after my grandmothers passing which was so shocking. He died from hypothermia. This story reminded me so much of my grandmothers experience. Blessings to this story, Thank you.
Thank you for sharing. Stories like this are reassuring and comforting.