I usually have a way with words, but I find myself struggling to consolidate the thoughts racing through my mind and the emotions stirring in my heart. Despite my mother having been bedridden for the past couple of years and her ongoing health issues, you think you are prepared for the inevitable. Well, I thought I was ready

Two and a half months ago, I received a call informing me that she had been admitted to the ER due to cardiogenic shock and was given only two days to live.

I dropped everything.

My mother has always been a fighter. From her childhood in Magadan, where my grandfather was sent, until the very end, she proved to everyone that she would outlive the medically predicted timeline because there is only one timing that truly matters: God's.

When I reflect on the past few days, weeks, months, and years, all I see is God's intervention at every step. Although I am deeply saddened by her departure, I am profoundly grateful to have spent the past ten weeks by her bedside, day and night.

Seeing her smile between the intervals of pain was worth every second I spent there.

If there is a lesson to be learned from my story, it is to set aside anything and everything that prevents you from cultivating and strengthening relationships with your loved ones and with God. Believe me, nothing matters more than your time, your care, your love, and your unwavering faith. I truly believe that, combined with her will and God's will, these factors prolonged her life, allowing us to celebrate her birthday together and share many more moments that I can now look back on and smile.

Such is the circle of life. There is a reason why, when we look at the icon of Mary's death (The Dormition of the Theotokos), we see her being carried to her tomb by the apostles, or the Dormition, where Jesus cradles her soul after death. This moment depicts Mary’s soul being taken to heaven by Jesus.

There was a moment while I was caring for my mother, that made me realize how similar this level of care is to that given to a child. It truly emphasized how life comes full circle: we begin and often end our lives in a "helpless state." The way our parents cared for us is then mirrored when they reach old age, and it becomes our duty, both to them and to God, to complete this circle.

It's no coincidence that the page ends around the same time as Dormition. There is peace in her spiritual body departing her aching physical body and being in unity with God. Goes without saying that I have been blessed with so many amazing people in my life, and I thank God for having aligned the stars with those people who have been part of this journey with my mother and me.

Rest in peace, Mom. Memory Eternal!

Disclosure: The money being raised is to help cover funeral and travel expenses. I have exhausted my savings and more over the past couple of years and have not been working during the past three months. Any donation, big or small, is greatly appreciated. Prayers are also welcome.

Thank you. Дякую. Спасибо! ❤️☦️