Sixty Hours: Part I

Last Sunday went down as just about the worst day in history, stress levels were running high between my Mother and I as we were just beginning to recover from hosting Thanksgiving for both sides of the family. Several tears were shed after a hurtful word exchange on both of our behalves and while we were having our stupid, "mother daughter moment" a much bigger event was taking place that will forever change our lives. The phone rang.

November 30, 2008

Around 7pm, Mom receives word from her brother that Granny (My Grandmother) has collapsed in her home and is being rushed to the hospital. We get to the emergency room in time to learn that Granny has suffered a massive stroke, a hemorrhage on her brain, and it will only be a matter of time before her body shuts down, Sixty precious hours to be exact.

Peggy C. (Renfro) Matthews, 74, of Evansville, was taken home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at Deaconess Hospital. She was born April 5, 1934, in Erwin, Tenn.

Peggy graduated from Reitz High School, 1952, and Lockyear Business College.

Peggy was a homemaker for most of her life. She worked early in her life for Woolworth's and Plumbers Supply Co. She was a member of Vann Avenue Baptist Church. Peggy was always active in serving Jesus Christ. She taught Sunday school for many years at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. She received great joy in reading the Bible and sharing God's Word with others.

Peggy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family and friends and was always there for them. She touched the hearts of many and will be missed by all. Peggy enjoyed traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Audrey (White) Renfro.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Russell Matthews; daughter, Judith Morrison and husband, Dennis; son, Warren Matthews and wife, Becky; grandchildren, David and Steven Matthews, Kenneth Morrison and Jennifer (Morrison) Choisser and husband, Bryan; sister, Betty George and husband, Estel, Newburgh; sister-in-law, Rosemary Matthews, Elberfeld; seven nephews and one niece.

It's impossible for me to process the last time I would see Granny, as I knew her, was on Thanksgiving. My last moment with her was a hug and the words, "Bye Granny, I love you". I can't believe that I will never eat one of her home cooked meals again, hear her laugh, watch her mark tiny notes in her bible, and observe her meticulously unwrapping her Christmas gifts in such a way that the paper could be reused.

But what happened in the sixty precious hours, from the time of that terrible stroke to the passing of her earthly body, will forever change the relationship I have with my own mother and how I value the gift of forgiveness.

(To be continued...)