Good morning…
“Mom has been down with a virus,” said the caringbridge message written by Betty Skinner’s daughter, Betsy, on August 11th. “She was not tested for Covid, and has been in isolation for the past several weeks. The health center is again prohibiting visits to rooms, and she wants no porch visits. She says, ‘I feel so bad!’ Although her vitals are good enough and she is eating just enough, it’s pretty evident that she will not bounce back to the vitality level — all things being relative — of recent months. The nurse said Mom would likely be accepted now into the palliative care of Hospice.”
“Mom says to me often, ‘I talk to Jesus all the time and ask him to come get me.’ I support this prayer for Mom and ask you to do the same. She is so tired,” writes Betsy. “I ask that you NOT call her. Send cards if you wish (103 York Road, Unit #1310 Vicar’s Landing, Ponte Vedra, FL 32082), and light a candle for this precious soul to join the great cloud of witnesses, among them: her favorite saints whom, I believe, keep vigil on her behalf. If you need daily words of encouragement from Betty go to www.thehiddenlifeawakened.com.”
“Your friendship to Mom has meant the world to her and helped sustain her in her old age, and now, as she approaches the threshold of heaven,” says Betsy. “If you could see the boxes and boxes full of cards you have sent over the years…Mom’s family can’t thank you enough for your love, support, and good will. I will post here when Mom goes to heaven and the plans my brothers and I make to celebrate Mom’s resurrection and life.”
Those who know me know that I love ninety-five year old Betty Skinner. I met Betty first in the fall of 2007 on the pages of the book chronicling her journey up from the depths of clinical depression to the mountain peak of healed wholeness with God. Except for the Bible, The Hidden Life Awakened by Kitty Crenshaw and Dr. Cathy Snapp is the single book which has most richly enhanced my life, spurring me to visit with Betty, Kitty, and Cathy several times over the years, transforming me through an authentic, eternal friendship with these three amazing women.
“Dear, deep friends,” I texted Kitty and Cathy, “I am grateful to receive this caringbridge post, to know that Betty is on her way toward the heavenly home she has envisioned for so long in such magnificent detail.”
“I knew I would always wish for another visit on earth with Betty and, at the same time, I regret nothing about our ongoing relationship, celebrating it all as pure gift. Every single moment of every single visit with Betty and with both of you has been miraculous and life-giving. Gratitude brings me to tears right now, I am just so very grateful.”
“I love you both and feel always, always connected to you and Betty, Spirit to Spirit, soul to soul,” I concluded.
God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it (1 Thessalonians 5:11, MSG).
I quietly browse The Hidden Life website and happen upon this video of a younger Betty speaking about perseverance and preparation. I mirror back these encouraging words to Betty as she prepares to persevere, hiking into the heights of heaven when the perfect moment arrives.
…Sue…
