Merciful God

Almost a month into the new year already.  Eleven months ago today, I said goodbye to my mom.  It's hard to believe how quickly this past year has gone.  Today my friend wrote a lengthy message about her mom who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer just two weeks ago.  They have a long road ahead. My friend is here in Austin with two littles and her mom is in Houston. What torment to look ahead at the treatment. She wants to be there for her mom and also has responsibilities here. 

When my Mom died, my cousin said, "God is merciful."  I trust her to know how to believe this statement because her mom, my aunt, my mom's sister, died of breast cancer at the tender age of 50. Ten years ago already.  Looking back over the last year, I do believe God is merciful.  My mom had had so much back pain for so long.  She put on a good face for us and tried to enjoy herself. I didn't know how uncomfortable and miserable she was. The back surgery that she yearned for finally happened, but she never got to enjoy walking straight or walking pain free - here on this earth anyway.  Who knows how her recovery from back surgery would have gone, but it wouldn't have taken away the Parkinson's that had begun to show its symptoms more and more.  I am thankful that my mom didn't have to decline due to that dreadful disease.  God IS merciful.
--> We all want the chance to say goodbye. We didn't exactly get that the way things went down. I know that she saw Jesus on February 13th, 2014, even though her death certificate says February 22nd.  On February 22nd, as she breathed one of her last breaths, a single tear rolled down her left cheek.  The nurse had her reasoning for it, but I know it was my mom saying her goodbye to us.  We miss her so much, but I am grateful that she didn't suffer long.
I pray for my friend Amy's mom.  Please help them God to be strong and courageous during this battle. We know you are merciful.