For the last number of years, my mom has lived in an assisted living home in Thousand Oaks, CA. In February of this year, 2004, a blockage in her lower intestine put her in the hospital. She was almost 91. (My oldest son Matt and my mom were born on the same day, May 26th – 60 years apart!) She was a really strong woman. Most would have not survived this type of surgery. After the surgery, I was honored to take my guitar in and sing to her as she was recovering. I sang to her often, as well as to other residents at her home. After her surgery, she was too weak to return to Thousand Oaks so was living in a rehabilitation home in Woodland Hills. The last time I saw her was on a Sunday afternoon.
I stopped and bought the usual flower arrangement I would take her everytime I saw her. As I entered her room at the rest home, she was not in her bed. It was freshly made, but no mom…so I hurried back out and noticed someone in a wheel chair sitting at the entrance of her room. It was mom, I had walked by her and didn’t even recognize her.
It was so sad to see her going so fast. She looked so afraid sitting there, I was honored to feed her one of her last meals…she didn’t eat much, mostly drank water. After spending a good amount of time with her, I left. If you know us at all, you will know that everyone in our family are “huggers” and we say “I Love You” a lot…and you know…YOU need to say “I Love You” to the ones you love, because none of us have a lease on life. You may just not see that loved one again. Anyway, when I left her that last time, I said, “I love you” and she said, “I know you do”.
The next evening, mom slipped away, but to a better place with the Lord. I had a really good cry and the next morning I wrote the words to this song. My tribute to the best mom anyone could ever have…and I know she is smiling down on me from heaven now!!! I love you mom!!!
Sitting here in this room tonight
Thinking of your life that was so right
Your love for us, it never failed
You were always there for us
I dream of you as I drift asleep
I pray the Lord your soul to keep
I see you smiling down on us
From your resting place above
(chorus)
Even when I walk through the valley of death I will not be afraid
Your hand protects and comforts me
And I’ll be with you eternally
I love you, I know you do
I can feel your love for me
Sitting there so alone and afraid
Not knowing what will come
Soon you will be home again
The clouds will open up and take you in
You’ll be so happy when you see Him grin
I love you, I know you do
I love you, I know you do
I love you mom, yes, son, I know you do
© Thomas Mountain Music (BMI) all rights reserved P.O. Box 3029 Mammoth Lakes Ca. 93546
