Another Goodbye until Eternity's Reunion...

My precious Mother-in-Love, Edna Mae Moseley passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on October 29, 2023.  Dan's Mom began a slow decline in health in the last few months since we saw her last when my father passed in June.  She fell and broke her hip in early October, and was in ICU for several days. Dan and I had a trip planned for the third weekend of October but changed our plans and flew to Texas instead to spend the weekend with her.  

We loved on her while we were there.  We felt she had possibly suffered a stroke as well, and needed a lot more assistance than we realized.  She now needed to be fed and every need cared for.  The nursing home staff there loved her and was so kind to her. 

It was hard to say goodbye to her, and we promised her as we were leaving, that we would see her at Thanksgiving, which is when we always go to Texas. Each year she looked forward to Thanksgiving family gatherings, but this year, it was not to be. A week later, almost to the hour that we saw her last, she drew her last breath here on earth and began her rest in the arms of Jesus on October 29, 2023.  Family and close friends gathered around her as her breathing slowed, singing, and talking to her, telling her how loved she was. I wish we could've been there, but I am thankful for the memories we have made with her through the years. 

This has been a difficult year of loss for our family. 

We lost my precious Gram on December 12, 2022.

My sweet Annie-Girl, my companion dog on all my walking adventures on March 3, 2023 

My precious Dad passed unexpectedly on June 9, 2023

And now Dan's precious Mom passed away on October 29, 2023. 

A lot of loss in this year when I turned 50, but I have much to be thankful for. In each case of our loved ones, they entered into rest with Jesus, their eternal destiny forever in the arms of the One they loved so much.  Still, the earthly loss of their presence here on earth has left deep holes in our hearts. 

Sharing some pictures through the years of precious memories to us now of Mom Moseley. 

All dressed up for a granddaughter's wedding. 

Dan's parents came to see us in Idaho many years ago, and enjoyed seeing snow! 

Mom wanted her funeral to be at church, so that is where it was held. It was all so beautiful, and I know she would have been pleased. 

All of us after the funeral. 

All of the boys together at the graveside service, which was held the next day. 

All of the boys and their spouses. One spouse was not able to attend, and we missed her very much. 

Mom's casket with the beautiful flowers on it. 

I wrote some thoughts to share at the funeral for my precious Mother-in-Love, however, because her service was held at the church, and she wanted more of a church service, it was decided that I would share my thoughts about her at the gravesite.  Here is the video of that tribute to her life. 

Memories of Edna Moseley 

Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma

 

Proverbs 31:10 

“Who can find a virtuous woman? 

For her price is far above rubies”

If ever there was a woman whose life embodied virtue, Edna Mae Moseley was that woman. Born in a tent to a family who was working in the fields of Brady, Texas, from an early life hard work was part of her existence.  As a 16-year-old child, she was diagnosed with leukemia and was not expected to live.  She cried out to the Lord and was miraculously healed – and cancer never returned to her body.  From this experience with the Lord, her faith in Jesus never wavered.  Countless times throughout her life, the Hand of the Lord touched, healed, protected, comforted, and kept her.

Married to Calvin Moseley at the age of 18 on November 26, 1960, 5 boys soon completed the family – CA, David, Paul, Mark, and Dan.  Edna loved and cared for her family with every ounce of her being. As her own parents grew frail, she cared for them too. Edna worked long hours as an aide to the elderly to help support her family.  She made their home a welcoming place, and at mealtimes, a mountain of food always seemed to make its way to the table.  Edna loved her family and served them with all she had to give – and more.  Her love for the Lord was evident to all who knew her.  Faithful to church, in ministering to those in care homes by fixing hair and visiting them, to baking her amazing banana bread and homemade bread for any function – whether family or church.  She and Calvin bought an old farmhouse, and it became a special delight for her to renovate this house and make it a home that all of us loved so much. 

I first met Edna in 1995 when Dan and I met, and then married.  She became a second mother to me, and I became one of her 5 daughters married into the family – and she loved and cherished all 5 of her son’s wives as her own daughters.  So many memories through the years were made – many of them in the kitchen preparing and serving food for family gatherings.  We loved to visit thrift and antique stores together – her love of all things old and her knowledge of antiques taught me so much.

 

But the greatest lesson of all I learned from her was to love the Lord, serve Him with all your heart, and love and serve your family.  Edna’s love for her family was strong – she made many sacrifices – most of which only the Lord really knows – to ensure her family had all their needs met.  Edna cared for Calvin – a man who often caused much concern in her life. Most women today would not endure the things she did, but she remained faithful and loving through it all.

 

Edna left a legacy for us all to remember and embrace her principles in our own lives.  She loved the Lord with every ounce of her being.  She read her Bible faithfully, and prayed constantly – a prayer warrior like no other! She gave herself, her time, and her money faithfully to the church.  She never failed to speak the truth, and especially of her strong convictions about faithful Christian living.  All who knew her – knew she believed in Jesus and her life embodied that too.  Her dress and hair were always done with care, and she made great effort to take care of herself, her family, and her home.  She never missed an opportunity to be at church, even when her health deteriorated due to diabetes, which kept her in the River Hills Nursing Home for 12 years. She began her struggle with diabetes in her 40s with endless pokes and jabs for 40 years – never complaining about why, but always trusting that the Lord would heal her.  She endured so much suffering in so many areas of her life, but she never lost her faith in Jesus. 

 

She left all of us large shoes to fill.  Her presence here in this life is gone – she is at rest with Jesus now.  No more pain and suffering, but an eternal healing of rest and peace is hers.  The loss of her presence on earth hurts more than words can convey, but the legacy that she left us will live on in each of our hearts. 

 

She was the embodiment of the woman described in Proverbs 31. Vs 15 “She riseth while it is yet night and gives meat to her household.” Vs 20 “She stretches out her hand to the poor.”  Vs 25 “Strength and honor are her clothing”, Vs 26 “She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness” Vs 27 “She looks well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness.  Vs 28 “Her children arise up and call her blessed.” Vs 29 “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” Vs 30 “A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” 

 

Edna, known also as Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Sister in Christ – was a woman who lived her life for the Lord and for her family.  Her legacy lives on even as she has begun her eternal rest and reward with Jesus.  She was a woman who feared, loved, and lived for the Lord and her family. 

 

May the life she lived be treasured in each heart of those of you who knew her – keep your heart pure and undefiled before the Lord – and remember she has prayed for each of you here – and eternity awaits for all of us to join her in that heavenly reunion on those golden streets of glory.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I am so thankful for the blessings of the Lord that allowed me to have such a special Mother-in-Love in my life. I will always be grateful for the memories we made through the years.  Her loss on earth has left a big hole in our lives, and we will be navigating that for many years to come. But how blessed we are to have had her with us for 80 years - almost 81 (her birthday would have been December 31). I hope the tribute to her life will inspire you - as it has me - to live my life for the Lord and for my family.  These are the things that endure and will last for all eternity. 

Many blessings to all of you today!