From the Pastor's Desk
Reverend David Kaul
“ Our commonwealth is in heaven and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body , by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. ”
- Philippians 3:20-21
Dear friends in Christ,
Thank you for the beautiful cards, memorials and words of comfort given in memory of my mother, Jacqueline Kaul. Our plans were to see her on the Labor Day weekend. We watched the closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics and went to bed. My brother Joel called at 10:30 p.m. to say that Mom had taken a turn for the worse. She might not make it through the night. So began a week of great change.
When your loved one has Alzheimer, you experience a series of goodbyes. First, Mom didn't remember our children's names or once important events. Cards stopped coming at Christmas or birthdays. Phone conversations became but a few words. Good days were when Mom asked for you or used your name. There was a light in her eyes and a smile on her face. The tough days were when I sensed her confusion, fear, and the quiet sadness that comes from the loss of control over ones life. Questions flood the mind, "What next?", "How long?", "What is happening to my Mother?"
We shared a good Monday. It concluded with the last rites as family surrounded her and singing, "Amazing Grace!" Mom went into a coma on Tuesday and passed early Friday morning. I presided at her funeral in Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon.
"A mighty fortress is our God", wrote Dr. Martin Luther. Mom never forgot the Lord's Prayer or the communion liturgy, favorite hymns or enjoying classical music. She never stopped caring for other people. The staff would place her by those having a bad day. Mom had a calming peace that reached out to their troubled spirit. She loved to go for side trips in her wheelchair to see the garden flowers. She would point and marvel as she expressed in true amazement. "Just look at that!"
When I could not be present, there were others to hold her hand and other voices to encourage and reassure. My sister-in law Dawn, my brother and their children, the caring staff of the Comforts of Home, hospice workers, and visiting clergy including Rev. Brian Ferguson to whom I am truly thankful. God provides a whole host of human and heavenly angels to assist those in need. They are His caring hands.
I am left with a deep sense of peace. Mom is with Jesus Christ and loved ones. She is seeing God face to face. The charge placed by my dying father upon my shoulders, "Take care of your mother!" is fulfilled.
There is Mom's legacy of loving service to carry on in this world.
"Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we now commend your servant. Acknowledge, we humbly ask a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace and into the glorious company of all your saints in light."
In the name of Christ. Amen.
P. Dave