Mom’s last trip to the hospital was the Friday after Christmas my Junior year of college. She was in and out of coherency for a couple of days and visiting was limited. Once she was more stable and coherent, the singing began. Our friend, Betsy Brown, would bring her guitar with her and we would “have church” in her hospital room.
One of the most significant experiences of my life happened in that room. I was sitting with Mom when Dad came back in the room with Aunt Barbara Tolar. When Dad walked in, Mom said she wanted to sing. Mom always did like singing, though she couldn’t carry a tune. She always said she made a joyful noise.
Dad asked her what she wanted to sing. She responded, “God is so good.” I can still see her struggling to sit up in bed, knowing she was dying, so she could sing “God is so good.” I remember thinking God is very real and He must love us very much because that kind of faith cannot exist apart from a loving God.
I have shared this story numerous times because of the impact it had and continues to have on me. This is the legacy of faith I carry.