Mom has gone to Heaven

Family and Friends,

I just wanted to let you know that Jesus called my mother, Debbie Tudor, home last night at 11:05. I think this is positively the hardest e-mail that I have ever written...part of the reason is that I can't even see the screen as I type. I woke-up this morning, with one thought, "I want my Momma."

When Mom had to be taken back to Centennial this past Tuesday, she was laughing and joking with the medical staff. She did have some difficulty which was most likely the throwing of the clot on the way to the hospital but once she was in her room in Cardiac Care, she was acting normal and had a pleasant and joyful demeanor. The nursing staff and doctors repeatedly stated to us last night that she spent her last hours in which she could speak telling of Christ and all that He's done for her and means to her. Right up to the end, her love for Christ was evident. Around midnight, she began to complain of having difficulty breathing and by early morning, she had to be placed on a ventilator. Mom has horrible gag reflux and when the nurse told me last night that she had warned them about that but that she didn't fight them at all, I knew that she was really struggling.

Around 9 or so last night, we were asked to leave the room because some tests needed to be ran and the doctors were in with her. I'll never forget the look on my father's face when his cell phone rang as we were waiting in the cafeteria because it was evident that something very serious was happening...we had to make some decisions because Mom had once again started on a downhill path. We all have our estate planning documents and have talked freely about what each of us wants as far as life support, rescesitation, etc. so we knew what Mom would want - she was tired, very weak, and very anxious to see our Lord.

Our big decision revolved around what do we do until Leigh (my sister) can call or get here from Officer Candidates School in Virginia. I had traveled to M'boro to the Marine Recruiters office early that afternoon to figure out what we needed to do to be able to contact Leigh. Let me just say this, ultimately God worked everything out, however dealing with USMC and the Red Cross was a nightmare. Leigh left Virginia this morning. When Mom was still able to somewhat respond and definitely could hear, we all said our goodbyes, sang hymns, recited Bible verses, and read from God's word....just like Mom would want us to. Leigh and Ashton were able to speak with Mom and it was very obvious that she knew their voices. It was so hard to have to tell Leigh, "Leigh, you need to talk to Mom because Jesus is taking her to heaven tonight." Even harder was hearing Ashton ask, "Why does Jesus need my Granny?" and "Meet me at Heaven's gates one day" and then for him to tell her over and over, "I love you bunches and bunches." Mom needed to know that it was okay for her to finish her earthly journey and began her eternal life.

We couldn't help but laugh about 15 minutes after her death and wonder if she was talking Jesus' ear off. Our hearts are completely broken and we have so many questions, but from the onset we have had faith that God is in control. We certainly prayed for healing and that is exacty what God did - she will never have pain again. Mom has been so sick for weeks now. She was so tired. We wanted her to be able to have a good quality of life and not be sick. This has been so hard on Mom and all of us.

We want to thank you for all the cards, calls, visits, and most of all prayers. We still need them - especially Daddy. The bond between my parents is remarkable and the love that they share is one that most people only read about in fictional novels...it was a love based upon Christ. We are going to make the arrangements this morning, so we will be sure to forward you the info when available.

Please pray for Leigh's safe travel home. God moved a mighty mountain last night in that He allowed our cousin, Shane, to be able to leave his Navy base and unite with Leigh on the Marine base around 2:00 this morning. She will be driving home with Shane's wife, Shayna. Thank you, Shane and Shayna, from the bottom of our hearts. God, we thank you and love you more than we could ever express!

Those of you who have sent cards, she got them and she heard their message. I read each and every one of them to her yesterday afternoon.

Thank you for your prayers!

Love,
Erica