My Mom passed away Tuesday morning, just two months shy of her 90th birthday and after too many years of dealing with Parkinson’s. I said goodbye to her last Friday, as I had done several times before when I left after a visit, but I knew this time would be my last, hoping upon hope that she could somehow hear me. I got the news while I was in the Senate Chamber at the Roundhouse not long before I was to give the opening prayer, that was on my schedule a month ago. I shared what had just happened and after my blessing/prayer the majority leader of the Senate led a moment of silence for Mom. As my wife Jenny observed, who would have thought that a farm girl from just outside of Green Camp, Ohio, would have the New Mexico Senate observing a moment of silence at her passing?

The timing didn’t surprise me, really. Mom always had a way about her, quiet and gentle, but with a tremendous inner spirit that displayed itself so very often. In wondering whether I should write about her, since this blog is really about insights after sermons, it is clear to me that Mom was a living sermon, one who lived her life in a Gospel way. I think of Mom as Lazarus coming out of the tomb, bound up with the wrappings of Parkinson’s, and Jesus says “Unbind her, and let her go!”

I hope I told Mom everything I wanted and needed to tell her. I think I did, but sometimes I worry I left something out. Unlike adding something on Tuesday that I forgot to say on Sunday, I don’t have that same chance now. After Mom’s Amen I guess the best I can do is remember what Mom taught and showed me and then live it out the best I can.

Thanks, Mom, for being Mom. You’ve been unbound. Now you’re free.