Saturday, February 5, 2011

Nearing LIFE

Well, my body appears to be well into the last stages of “life” and it’s definitely preparing to Transition to Life sometime soon.

If you read the Hospice info (http://www.hospicenet.org/html/preparing_for.html) on end stages of physical shut down, you know that sleeping a whole lot more is one of the stages, as is not having energy to talk much or to participate in conversations, as is saying goodbye to people--for the last time before we meet again in Heaven, as is decreased food and water intake....

I am easing peacefully into lying in bed drifting in out of being awake and asleep for most of each day. This is a new change as of the last couple days. I like it.

If you asked me what I did all day, I’d say hang out with my parents who are helping me tremendously, take medicine, sleep, and lie in bed. I either lie in my own bed or in a nice hospital bed that moves up and down by a handheld controller.

I only really get up to use the restroom or to move locations... Since I wretched so hard that something low down in my spine popped, walking has been very painful and difficult, as has changing clothes and a lot of other things. But I'll be done soon and I'll be able to walk perfectly in what will have seemed like the blink of an eye.

It is hard to find energy to write a blog post. I don’t know how many more I will be able to write, as much as I would like to continue to demystify this process by documenting it for other people.

There is a very clear sense of God’s peace in my home, with my parents, and with me. It is a precious treasure and we are very thankful for it.

God is keeping me in His grace during this waiting time... But I am still very curious, and have a strong feeling of excitement and anticipation, about what my Transition, Heaven, and Jesus will be like.

In His Grip, Martha

28 comments:

  1. Bless you, Martha. Give Jesus a big long hug for me. I so look forward to being with him too. I am thankful for the peace he is giving to you and yours in your final hours of stepping into Life. You have been an unbelievable inspiration to me and I will so miss clicking on your blog and reading your latest musings. I will be praying for your family as they adjust to "life" without you. May their mourning turn to laughter as they remember your unique life and the joy you are experiencing with Jesus. I'll see you when I get there. Julie

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  2. Your words are sheer poetry, sweet Martha. They reflect such a bright spirit . . . a genuine treasure. I wish you comfort, ease, peace, happy reflection at this stage of your journey. Thank you for every single gift of yourself you've shared with us, and with your students. What a life you have lived; what a Life you will Live!

    We will miss you so much. Until we meet again . . . love and love and love always.

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  3. Tonight at church, during worship that Michael & Sarah were leading, I was picturing you dancing, twirling those really long, colorful streamers in huge, creative patterns...love ya. L

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  4. I love you Martha.

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  5. Martha,

    I am so thankful for the mercy of God's peace as you enter this phase of the transition process. I am so thankful that you have your parents there to care for you and be with you. I'm so thankful for having had the privilege of reading your story over the past year since I found your blog. Thank you for all that you've shared, for the encouragement you've been, for the courage in Christ that you have lived out for all of us to see. Thank you for reminding me that each day is precious and shouldn't be wasted being fearful of what the end of life on this earth may be like. Thank you instead for ever pointing to our hope and joy in death. Continuing to pray for you...Megan

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  6. Martha, you have endured this terrible illness with so much dignity. Most importantly, not only have you strongly held tight to your faith in our Heavenly Father, your faith has grown. Through your words, actions, and reactions, you have been a shining witness for Christ to many people.

    I pray that your last days here will be peaceful and that as you pass through this life, the glory of the Lord will shine on you. There is a special place for you in Heaven, and I will see you there someday! God bless you, Martha.

    Much love,

    Rebecca Bobbitt

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  7. Dear Martha, Thank you very much for the time and effort you have taken to write this blog, and for sharing it! It is a privilege to share your spiritual journey! I have prayed for you, and will continue to.

    With my love, Dana Houghton (Your Mom's childhood friend, and your Godmother) (houghtonnj@aol.com)

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  8. Thankful for His peaceful presence and your joyful anticipation of your LIFE to come. With much love to you and your family, Susan T.

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  9. Dear Martha, Our prayers for your peace are being answered, and I am truly thankful. Enjoy the drifting, and who knows, you may get a few glimpses of what is to come. I was with my father-in-law when he transitioned. During his drifting phase, he clearly saw some of those who were waiting to greet him. I could tell that was comforting and exciting for him. Godspeed on your journey Martha.
    Becky

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  10. "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." You have certainly glorified the Lord through your blog, as you "tell it like it is" about what you are going through, but also your faith in the Everlasting God, and you will be "enjoying Him forever.

    I am a cancer survivor, but know that it could come back, and I may very well also go through what you have gone through.

    You and your family are in my prayers.

    Joan

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  11. looking forward to seeing you again in heaven my dear sister-love,Jody

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  12. Praying for you everyday. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration and sharing your story with us. Peace and love, Beth

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  13. Dear Martha,
    I've never meet you, but feel a close connection with you and your family. I am Jody's Aunt Cathy in California. I've been sharing your blog with my parents which are Jody's grandparents and Judy's parents also. We all have been praying for you during your journey and are so privileged that you have shared your journey with us. We all experienced my grandmother's transition to heaven and what an extrodinary sight to see her smile peacfully. We all knew she just saw the Lord.

    God Bless you for all your strength and endurance. You will be so blessed in Heaven. I will meet with you someday in Heaven to celebrate.

    Your family is in our prayers.

    Catherine

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  14. Dear Martha
    It's been years since I knew you as the little sister of my friends at GCS, but we've been following your journey for quite a while. It's an understatement to say we've been blessed and challenged by your profound faith, your peace that passes understanding and your wonderful hope. Thanks so much for sharing so candidly. Until we meet again,
    Carna (Horst) and Dennis Reitz

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  15. Martha, We just got on your blog today. Congratulations on your Etsy store. Your artwork is wonderful!!! I'm sorry that your not feeling well. We're praying for you. Judy & Hannah

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  16. i cannot think of anything to say but, you are almost there and i wish i could hug you one last time, but so glad i got to last spring. love you martha.

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  17. Thank you for everything you have given me, Martha. I continue to pray for you, each and every day, and I'm so grateful you're in such a good place, both in body and spirit.

    Love you, Martha.
    xoxoxo

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  18. Martha, You truly are an inspiration! I'm praying for an easy transition for you into true life. You have lived life so gracefully. So glad God has given you & your family peace. Love you, Laura Byrd

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  19. I am forever blessed to have known you in this life and will be forever blessed to have had you as my friend. I will love you always and I continue to pray for you everyday.

    xxoo

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  20. Martha, you continue to amaze with your faith, insight and strength in both words and actions. Thank you. For many months now I have pondered as to whether you are showing me how to live while dying or die while living. But now I feel that being in the moment is the lesson learned. Only you, incredible you, could have brought this awareness in such a creative and powerful way. Though I will miss you, I know you are pleased to be transitioning and I am praying for peace and grace to guide you and your awe inspiring family as you move forward. And thank you too for allowing us yet another opportunity to do good in this world through your artistic endeavors. Abigail says she will miss you. I love you, Stephanie

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  21. Martha, our love to you as your journey approaches a new and beautiful path. Thank you for sharing all of your thoughts in the blog over the last many months. Our prayers for you and your family continue. In love and peace, Margot Wright Dudley

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  22. i hope that your journey has been peaceful over the past week. you are in my prayers every day. love and happiness always will be with you.

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  23. thinking about you lots! love you Marble

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  24. It's Valentine's Day, and I know your heart is big enough for all of us to crawl inside . . . wish we could do it, to be with you, to help you, in some small way during these mysterious days. I know you are not alone, though, and ultimately in the best of hands. It is a marvel to me the way YOU are managing to comfort ME as I grieve through your journey. Such a testament to your abiding faith . . . Comfort, ease, joy, acceptance, and love and love always.

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  25. I continue to pray for your eternal peace. I know that we will see each other again some day. Thank you for the gifts that you have given me throughout the last few years. The gift of friendship, courage, and faith. You continue to inspire me each day. All my love and prayers, L

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  26. Martha, You are so beautiful NOW. I can't even imagine what how beautiful your presence will be when you are changed in the twinkling of an eye and "bear the likeness of the one from heaven".

    I cannot thank you enough for the courage and faith you have given me for the days when I face this transition. We will miss you so much here.

    I love to think of the joy set before you when you have triumphed over death. I love you, Martha.

    Elisabeth

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  27. Martha, you are such a beautiful soul. I'm excited for you as you prepare to meet Jesus face to face so very soon.

    Much love to you.

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  28. AMEN! God is glorious. Martha I love you. Give Jesus a huge hug for me :) Love your sister in Christ, Annie

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