In order for my mother to accept her death, after being told that there was nothing that could be done to cure her, she had to accept living first. She knew that death held no boundaries for her. As a Christian, she knew her Lord, her God, went to the cross for her and
Prior to my mother’s death, she realized that, like a programmed robot, there were five stages that you go through, which are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages may be reversed or be skipped. My mother explains how she tackled these stages and worked her way through them by having her Lord and Savior with her.
She explains the worst part of dying was having patience. My mother explained that in the last days before a Christian goes to be with the Lord, Satan will seek to steal his or her peace. The weakness caused by disease or pain, or the confusion of the mind, may cause even the greatest of saints to have moments of doubt.
My mother explains, in the book, how many people don’t know what to say to people who are dying. They are afraid to talk to them at all, so they turn away. This leaves the dying with hurt and sadness, feeling that they have been deserted and left alone. She did not expect any apologies for her plight, as you call may call it– although she called it going home to be with the Lord. People think a dying person is experiencing a horrible fate, so they don’t communicate with that person at all. Mother felt that everyone needed to work together to make dying easier. She wanted everyone together as a team that would make it easier for everyone to accept what will eventually happen to each of us.
My mother asks you to take “Heavenly Bound” and read it now, and then pick it up for when you or a loved one is dying. Her purpose was to prepare you for death while not dwelling on it. The dying, as well as their families, can find comfort in it. She asks you to read it several times a day, so you can be reminded of God and his promise to grant you strength. She thanks everyone for reading “Heavenly Bound”, and may God bless you.
-Gregory Armstrong
