To the members and friends of Our Savior’s,
I want to take this opportunity to thank all those that expressed their care and concern to me and my father following the death of my mother, Mollie Frenz. We are truly touched and humbled by your love and grace. For those unaware my mother died quite unexpectedly Saturday (Feb. 16) evening. I was informed early Saturday morning that my mother had been taken to Meridian Park hospital complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain. She was given medications to calm her and after a few tests I was informed that there were issues with her heart but more tests were needed to determine exactly what was going on.
I was with my mother throughout Saturday. Except for a few moments of discomfort my mother was her typical jovial self. She ate a hearty lunch and dinner. She laughed a lot and spoke of her love for family and friends. I left the hospital Saturday evening around 7 pm fully expecting to meet with the cardiologist the next day to discuss treatment options. Around 10 pm the cardiologist called informing me that my mother had a heart attack and likely wouldn’t make it through the night. I arrived at the hospital about 25 minutes later only to discover that my mother had already passed.
I’ve been asked if I regret not being present with mother when she died. Honestly, I have to say I don’t. My mother, while overall in good physical health, had for the last number of years been suffering from dementia. The personality of some dementia sufferers can change dramatically, often become angry and violent. Thankfully such was not the case with my mother. She was always pleasant, kind, grateful and faith filled. Because of my mother’s dementia I had been saying ‘good-bye’ to her for years. So I never personally felt a need or laid an expectation on myself to be present when she passed.
While I grieve the loss of my mother, I do so under the umbrella of joy. I say this because my mother died in the manner, time, and place I had always prayed for. I didn’t want my mother to suffer. She didn’t. Knowing how difficult life would be for her without my father I always hoped she would precede him in death. She did. I also didn’t want my mother to die in her apartment knowing that this would make it more difficult for my father. She died in a hospital surrounded by loving and caring nurses.
My mother was one who trusted her Lord, believed that the best was still in front of her, was kind and gracious and shared her love with family and friends. I’ll always treasure my memories of my mother and of her influence on my life. So I’ll grieve but underneath my sorrow I hear the trumpets playing joyful music.
Grateful for your care,
Pastor Kim
