The last few days have been rough – but not on Mary. Our much-loved wife, mom, sister, and grandma has slept away the days and nights in complete comfort, the recipient of endless loving care by her husband Bervin and grown children, Luke, Julia, Karl, Andrew, Jo, Stina, and Marta.
Mary, a nurse since 1966, was thrilled when two of her daughters, Julia and Stina, became nurses, too. And they were never more challenged than in recent days as they faithfully, diligently met their mom’s every physical need. They jumped into action with every chime of their phone alarms, around the clock – administering different drugs at different times, rolling Mary’s sleeping body every few hours to prevent bed sores, keeping her clean on a schedule, changing bed sheets, regulating the temperature in her room. Whatever was needed, they eagerly did it. As Julia said, “She never let us do anything for her, always wanting to do for us instead. So it’s very satisfying to help her now.”
The rest of us took turns sitting with Mary, enjoying her company as she slept. Knowing she might be hearing us even while unconscious, we read her many greeting cards, recited her favorite Scriptures, sang hymns for her, and talked to her freely. Bervin reminisced with her during their nights together and never entered or left the room without stroking her arm or caressing her face with his hand. Her cheeks and forehead were regularly covered with his kisses.
This afternoon I was sitting on the bed next to her, legs under the covers next to hers, leaning up against the headboard as she soundly slept. Computer hymns were playing quietly in the background as I held her hand and described the pictures on different greeting cards and read their messages. I looked up any Scriptures that were mentioned and read them to her, too. She continued to take about 8 breaths per minute as she had for the past 24 hours.
After reading all the cards, I set them aside and picked up her well-marked Bible, opening to the Psalms. Suddenly I thought I heard a quiet noise come from Mary’s mouth. It was not a moan, not a groan, nothing negative. It sounded like “Ahhh” going from high pitch to low.
I scooched down in the bed right next to her, putting my ear in front of her open mouth and heard a second one. “Ahhh.” And then a third and fourth. That’s when I jumped out of the bed and raced to find the others.
But only Luke was there, in the kitchen. “Come quick. Your mom is making some funny noises, and I’m not sure what’s happening.”
We raced back to the bedroom together, and he too put his ear by her mouth, hearing another “Ahhh.”
He dashed from the room and out the front door to get Bervin, who was cutting the lawn. (A few minutes earlier he’d wondered aloud if he should leave Mary long enough to do that, and since she’d been stable, we had encouraged him to go.)
I put my ear back near Mary’s mouth and she was still “talking.”
“Ahhh.”
She hadn’t moved during this time – not a flutter of the eye or a twitch of the brow.
Bervin rushed in with Luke right behind him, and bent over Mary’s face as she “spoke” one final “Ahhh” to him. It sounded like she was making a wonderful discovery or experiencing a deep satisfaction like, “Ahhh… I understand now!”
Then she grew completely quiet. No more breaths. No more sounds. And we three stared intently at her face, holding our breath as we waited for hers. And surprising us all, she simply closed her mouth…. as if to say, “That’s all.”
Bervin released her to go to heaven and then covered her face with a loving mix of kisses and tears as Mary flew into the presence of Jesus.
Their other adult children were, for the first time in two weeks, a distance from the house. Mary had repeatedly told all of us, back when she was still talking, “Why are you guys hanging around here? It’s a beautiful day. Go to the beach!” She said it again and again as she rested in bed, but no one felt like going.
Today, though, they’d finally decided to walk down there together, since Mary’s breathing hadn’t changed since the day before. And as Mary made her exit from the earth, they were all looking over the soothing, bright blue waters of Lake Michigan, talking about their mom.
That’s when Luke’s text told them to quickly hurry home, and they raced back in a group, gathering around Mary’s bed to absorb the startling news that she was gone. We stood in a circle of love all the way around her, unrolling paper towels to mop up tears and blow noses. Bervin began to sing, in a wobbly but confident voice, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face….”
And I joined in… “And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” We all realized this was exactly Mary’s new reality. Her eyes were on Jesus, and she was looking into his wonderful face. Awesome!
If there is such a thing as a perfect death, this was it. And Mary had finished well. Very well.
“We are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8, NLT)
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our love from the Mills family in Oxted Amanda xx
What a picture she has now basking in the holy presence of her good, good Father. Margaret, Jesus also picked this perfect time because He knows you will be ok. He has finished an amazing chapter in your life that will impact the rest of all of our books of life. Praise God for perfect deaths, lives well lived and books of life and love that mark us for eternity. You are deeply loved.
Oh Margaret, what a lovely description of Mary’s entrance into heaven, into her Savior’s arms.
Thank you for sharing with all of us. May His peace and comfort continue to carry you and all of your precious family as you celebrate her beautiful, well-lived life and mourn your loss of her earthly presence.
It is so very comforting to know that “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”. We rejoice with Mary And we weep with you all. Our prayers continue to each of you dear friends.
Rest in God’s glorious Peace, sweet Mary. Beautifully written, Margaret. Love, comfort and hugs to those who remain. Mary left a wonderful legacy through her children and grandchildren.
We can learn so much for. Mary’s story, thanks for sharing it with us. Praying for you and all the family. Praising Jesus for her well lived life.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful example of grace and love you have all shown. I can only imagine how proud Mary must be.
I am greatful to read Mary finished her race as strong and sweetly as she ran it. Her life a testimony for Gods glory. She left us all with a last wonder of what her eyes are now be holding that would cause any of us to take our last breath with a satisfying “Aahhhhh…..”
Love and hugs to you Margret. Such a dear and sweet gift you have been to Mary as you two navigated this earthly journey together. Thank you for walking with us too through ours.
Giving thanks through tears for Mary’s life, and for her peaceful but glorious journey to heaven. Thank you, Margaret, for allowing us to “share” in these final days of her life. Your words brought me right into the room and I experienced the sacred and holy passage of Mary’s precious spirit from earthly body to new life. What a gift you have given us! And just as I grieve our loss of Mary’s presence I give thanks that Jo’s baby girl is on the way. God’s comfort comes in many forms! Knowing my prayers are among the thousands being lifted for all of Mary’s family and friends; May we live in a way that honors her life and her Savior. She truly was faithful to the end. Thank you, Jesus. ❤️
Such a precious moment. May your hearts be comforted. Love to you, Margaret. As Gaye would say, praying at this end…
I was crying reading this! What a beautiful story of a beautiful woman and a beautiful family loving well… And leaving this earth..living and loving well!!! Bless you all… As you mourn her loss, but also know it was a well lived life! She’s with her Heavenly Father looking down smiling at you all now!
Tears of happiness and sadness flowing freely.
Margaret, we love and appreciate you, so much!
This my song through endless ages: “JESUS LED ME ALL THE WAY”. Jimmy/Pearl Glauser.
Thanks so much for all the updates about Mary, will continue praying for all of you that God will be your conform at a time such as this.
No words. Just loving prayers for your whole family.
I’ll keep praying for you all and sending “air hugs”! We’ll all miss Mary very much. She was such a sweet and kind friend to so many people! I know she is enjoying being in Jesus’ company!
Dear Margaret,
My heart is rejoicing with Mary, as she is in the Heavenly realms with Jesus. And weeping with you, as you experience her loss here on earth. You were the best of friends, and you will miss Mary terribly. The re-union in Heaven will be amazing – seeing Nate, Mary, your mom and dad, and many others. I am praying for you, and for the extended family.
Our love and prayers are with you, Margaret. Praying for the Lord’s tender comfort over Berv and Mary’s family. And thank you for allowing us a glimpse of Mary’s precious journey Home.
Dear Margaret,
Most of the time in Scripture, Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, with one exception. Jesus stood as Stephen was welcomed into heaven, another believer who lived his life well to the very end, full of the Holy Spirit to his last breath, just like Mary. This is probably Mary’s “ahh,” seeing with new eyes the heavens opened up, the glory of God, and her Savior standing to receive her (Acts 7:55-56). “Well done, Mary,”
And the “ahh” is a testimony to her loved ones left here as well, assured that she is present with the Lord, though grieving her absence in the body.
All of you faced this shadow with great courage and faith, and you are to be honored for your sacrifice of praise. As He walked with Mary through that valley, may He continue to walk with all of you, His rod and staff leading you upward, assured that good days of mercy and goodness are still ahead of you.
Thinking of you and praying for you as you prepare for Mary’s funeral service, and as you consider the weight of her absence.
Sending much love,
Terry
Prayers are with you all. Rejoicing that she is in Jesus’ arms, a lamb come home.
Oh, Marni! I’m so sorry for you and so happy for Mary! Her life was such a blessing to multitudes of people! We thinking of you and praying for y’all constantly. Giant mimihugs.
I met Mary when I was 15 at Camp Moyoca and she was the nurse. I cut my knee and when I went to see the nurse it was like I was visiting an angel. She was almost in tears as she cleaned the grass and dirt out of my cut. I remember thinking that this lady is the kindest person I have ever met. Over the years attending Moody Church Mary was a constant presence. When my first daughter was born she was there working in the nursery. I never hesitated handing over my little girl to Mary. Then as I went on to become a missionary Mary and Berv continued to show such kindness to me and my family. They lent us vans, they opened their home to us and they allowed us to enjoy their Michigan hide-a-way. I’m grieving. I’m sad for the family. Berv has a good role model to me as I watched him love his wife and children. Mary will leave an empty space but I know the Lord will comfort them. The world desperately needs more Mary Peterson’s! She walked with the Lord in life and now she stepped into His presence. We will miss her. Michael & Amy Walsh
What a beautiful testimony of a life well-lived for the glory of God! Thank you, Margaret, for sharing the final leg of Mary’s journey Home. Praying for all of you in the difficult days ahead.
Dear Margaret,
Praying for you and your family. Now Mary is indeed at peace and rest and what a beautiful family she had. Keep her legacy alive and keep writting Margaret. Knowing this is not easy for you . We pray for peace, comfort and special blessings from the Lord to you and your family as well. May you all continue to sense God’s peace and love.
God Bless,
Faith & Wally Janusz
Thank you so much for blessing us all in sharing Mary’s beautiful final moments on earth. I only knew her from “afar,” but she has made such an impact on my life. When she planned a surprise birthday party for you, I sent both you and Mary a Scripture Lullaby CD. I received a thank-you note from each of you on the very same day! I thought that was so neat because you both are so busy (all those kids, grandkids, and ministries!) yet took the time to handwrite sweet, encouraging notes to someone you don’t even know. And you both drew your own versions of little smiley faces in your notes (just too cute)! I just re-read Mary’s thank-you note. It was so full of gratitude to God and for the gift of prayers. She wrote, “God is so good…” She had such faith in God, and He was faithful to her to the very end of her life on this earth. And now, she gets to see His goodness with her own eyes.
Thank you (x1000), Margaret, for sharing Mary with us.
Love you and praying for you all.