The last month has been a journey for the entire family. Jerad's mom Lori was struck with a staph infection mostly due from, what we can tell, a minor surgery that she had in December. About 4 weeks ago as she was returning from vacation she was hospitalized. Since then she has undergone open heart surgery to replace a valve that the bateria ate away, she had her spleen removed, they put in a direct feeding line, and a tracheotomy so she could breathe better.
When I visted Mama this past Tuesday the speech therapist was with her in her room. She had also been transferred to a regular room out of ICU. The doctors had told us that they were not sure if she would ever be able to talk. I was awestruck when Mama was saying "Yes" and "No" and names of family members. She was also putting together sentances. It was a miracle to hear her say anything after all those long weeks in the hospital where we were not even sure if she was going to make it through the weekend. Just two weeks ago she didn't seem to understand anything that was going on around her. And then yesterday, I went up to visit and she and I had a very wonderful afternoon. Yesterday I did Mama's nails up for her for Easter. When I was finished she said, "God Bless You." I've never felt so blessed in my life, not because I helped her, but because Mama simply being able to say that made my heart leap.
Yesterday was Maundy Thursday and after our parishes Passover meal and Mass Fr. Seth came up and visted Mama with us. She had said that she would very much like to pray with him. Last year on Easter was the first time that Mama had met Fr. Seth. During the sprinkling of Holy water a drop of it hit her nose and an immediate healing took place for Mama. Mama Lori had an infection on her face a few years ago and ever since she had severe pain on her nose, which were something like headaches. After the water hit her nose the pain was gone. She was finally able to tell Fr. Seth this story last night. She had written herself a note to call him about it a year ago!!! :) The most wonderful thing about her healing was that she got such a sense of peace at that moment. She had that peace again last night when we prayed. The lord has truly been with Mama through everything.
Whether Mama's healing was actually physical or spiritual last Easter, there is truly a sign of rebirth in our lives. Mama described to me yesterday that this Easter is for her a rebirth this year. Jesus's dying and rising had brought new life to us all. In baptism, Christians experience this powerful symbol as we are submersed in water three times. We are reborn when come out of the water. We are born to a life with Christ for others so that they may know the miracle of Easter too. We are all saved in the resurrection. And as we truly and profoundly aknowlege through Jesus's death and triumph, Our sins are surely forgiven. Halleluia!!
Happy Easter
