Sunday, November 28, 2010

A Beautiful Godly Woman....My Mama


Zoie Wilson Shaw
(October 3, 1938 - November 25, 2010)

The name ZOE has it's origin in the Greek language.

The word zoe is used 134 times in the New Testament to indicate eternal life.

My grandparents named their firstborn daughter very well, for she truly lived well and fought to live life as long as she could against the great beast called Cancer.


In the wee hours of Thanksgiving Thursday morning, sometime between midnight and 4:15 when my dad checked on her once again...my mom left this earth and went home. She is in Heaven, of this I have no doubts, that she IS there, and that there IS a Heaven. She died at home and not in a hospital as were her wishes. My dad was an honorable and faithful and committed caregiver to her to the very end. It was my privilege to help him in her last weeks. Caring for someone that you love ....who is dying, and doing it in the home, not the hospital, is a stretching and hard experience. But knowing that mama was as comfortable as she could be and so glad to be in her own familiar home and room and not having different aides and medical help in and out everyday made all of the longsuffering that caregivers must go through...worthwhile. Hospice was an additional help to my dad as my mom went downhill. They are a treasure of an organization.

On Wednesday, I kissed my mom goodbye before I left as I did every visit....leaned down and told her in her ear that I LOVED HER, and though she was heavily medicated, she could STILL hear, and made noises from her mouth to let me know she was saying "I love you, too!". I did not see mama again. My dad called me at 5:30 on Thanksgiving morning to tell me mama was in heaven with her mama and daddy. I went straight over to be with him before Hospice got there. Mama's earthsuit was there on the bed...but not mama. It was so strikingly obvious that her soul and spirit were absent. I will never forget it.

We shall lay her body to rest tomorrow and celebrate the homecoming of her soul to Heaven to see her Savior and Lord. I am so thankful that Kurt was here for Thanksgiving and was able to switch his departure time to a later date. I am grateful that Justin is back in the States. He and his two brothers will be pallbearers along with other family.

Thank you all for your prayers through these past hard weeks for my family. We are all so grateful and feel privileged to have you lift us up before the Lord. You are all special sisters.

I will truly miss my mom, and I KNOW my dad already is, so much, but I am so so so so thankful that she is not suffering any more. It was too hard to bear for much longer.
She is healed, finally, after a long 15 year battle with cancer. What a trooper. She is my role model to always be positive, look for the silver lining every day, to trust in the Lord and Obey Him only, to love your hubby with all your might, and always wear lipstick and you'll look just fine!

Love you Mom. I will miss that you are just one block away anymore. We shall all see you soon. (A blink of an eye for you!) I know that God said, "Welcome Home, thou good and faithful daughter. Enter into this kingdom where you are a Princess and receive your eternal rewards and joy."

Here is the obituary that my dad composed for my mom the night after she passed.

Mrs. Zoie Wilson Shaw, 72, of Charlotte, NC died at her home and entered the joy of her heavenly Father and her Savior Jesus Christ on November 25, 2010. She received the aid of Hospice in the last few months of her long and courageous battle with cancer. Zoie was born October 3, 1938 in Charlotte to Samuel Moore Wilson and Frances Christenbury Wilson. She graduated from North Mecklenburg High School where she was known for her Christian faith and witness. She received numerous honors in 4-H and won awards for her abilities in sewing and service. She attended Columbia Bible College and after her marriage worked at the Presbyterian Board of Women’s Work in Atlanta GA. As a pastor’s wife she served her church as a SS teacher and youth leader. Her musical ability was used in organ and piano ministry. Her radiant smile and personality enriched the lives of all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Rev. Richard P. Shaw, her daughter Deborah Applegate (husband David) and their children, Christopher and Catherine and daughter Julie Smith (husband Kurt) and their children Katherine, Justin, Jonny and Kameron. She is also survived by her son Richard Shaw, Jr. Also surviving are her sister Linda Smith and brother Samuel Wilson, Jr. A service to celebrate her life will be held Monday, November 29 at 2:00 pm at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 10500 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 following a private burial in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service of celebration which will be conducted by Rev. Walt DeHart and Dr. Nathan Frazier. Heartfelt gratitude is expressed to Dr James Boyd and the chemo nurses of Oncology Specialist and to Hospice of Charlotte. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Community Church, 5850 W Hwy 74 # 100 Union Town Center, Indian Trail, NC 28079 or to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

15 comments:

Theresa said...

My heart knew this! I am so sorry for your loss my precious friend but we both know that your Mama is strolling those streets of gold FREE of cancer and pain! I know that God's plan and timing is always perfect... Kurt was home with you and that wasn't a coincident! I love you and will be praying for you all tomorrow and always! I pray that you will feel the presence of Angels all around you and your family as you travel down this path to lay your Mama to rest! Love and prayers! Your Georgia Sister!

Joyce said...

I am crying for your loss.... and praising God for Heaven's gain. I wish I knew her. What an amazing women! I love you and am praying for you, your dad and family. Call if you ever need to talk or cry or whatever ... 360-215-4020

DustyLu said...

I am so sorry...no words can say. She IS in heaven with our father! God Bless our family. Lulu

CACHANILLA73 said...

Dear Julie, I am sorry for your loss. Somehow my heart told me this while I was celebrating Thanksgiving with my family. I thought of you and your family. We haven't meet each other in person, but our hearts are one in Our Lord. He waited for the right moment, when your dear Husband was home, when your Justin was back. Now your dear Mama is in heaven where my dear Father is, watching over Us.
I don't have many words to express my condolences, just my prayers my dear sister, You know this.
Hugs and kisses.

Cotty

Cindy Lou said...

I am SO sorry for your loss and I know the feeling of loosing your mama!! I am here for you always and just know that my prayers are with you and I know that God will give you the strength that you need during this difficult time!! I am so glad that Justin is back in the States and can help be a part of his grand-mothers home services!

I am sending you special hugs, love and many prayers to you my dear friend!

Sandy said...

Dear Sweet Friend,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your
precious mother, yet relieved that she is
no longer suffering. Now she walks the
streets of gold with her Lord Jesus!
My grandmother died on Thanksgiving
morning, very early, too. My mother died
the day after Thanksgiving, years later.
So, my family and I know what it feels
like to lose a loved one during this special
time of year.
May the God of all comfort bless each of you
with His unspeakable peace, especially your
dear dad.
Love & Prayers,
Sandy

Mari said...

Oh dear Julie...my prayers are with you in this loss. So happy that Kurt made it home to help comfort you through all of this. I know you were expecting this at any time, but it does not lessen the pain.
Love and prayers...xoxo

Privet and Holly said...

Sweet and brave girl, I
think my heart must have
known this, because after
my five-day blog hiatus,
the first one that I have
come to visit is yours....
just in case.....Your mama
would be so proud of you
and all of her family for
their strong faith, grace
and courage during this very
difficult time. Your mother
sounds like an exceptional
human being.....now angel.
I will continue to hold all
of you in my heart and prayers
as you move through this day
and all the ones that follow it.
Love you.
xx Suzanne

Tracy said...

Hi Julie. I just stopped by to tell you how terribly sorry I was to hear this sad news. It is such a difficult time to let them go, even though you know where they are going. I am sure it is so comforting to KNOW that without a doubt. Keep your head up and take care of yourself.

billypandnikkysmom said...

Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful picture of your mom, you look just like her! Your dad wrote from his heart, I could picture him sitting & writing in the quiet of his home...

I am glad that Kurt was able to change his flight & that your sons will be with you.

Sending you hugs & prayers, Love you!

Jayme Goffin, The Coop Keeper said...

Sweetie. How beautiful. I love her name and I love how you look so much like her. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm so thankful that you have the hope to see her again. My heart is hugging yours tonight.

GardenOfDaisies said...

Dear Julie, I was computerless for several days so I am just now seeing your post. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Praying that God will wrap his arms around all of your family and help you to get through these next days.

Julie Harward said...

Nothing prepares us for the death of our mama's...God be with and bless you Julie...sending my biggest hugs ever! :D

Lili said...

Julie, This was such a beautiful and moving tribute for your dear Mother and I'm so glad Kurt was home when she passed to help comfort you. I've always heard it said that God's timing is perfect, even in the hardest of situations. Sending you my deepest condolences. Hugs to you dear Julie. ~Lili

Tete said...

I had no idea that your momma left this soon. This post is such an honor to her and your father and to God. The way you described your mothers earthly body is so true. I had never thought of putting it into words- but it is so obvious that they are not there anymore and that the soul has been set free.
I am so glad that God allowed her to leave when her time came from her own bed and home.
Your dad's words are priceless and come from the heart and a man who walks closely to God.
I can't wait to meet her on the other side. I am sure she will be part of the welcome wagon! Once in service, always in service. My son shares her birthday.
Hugs- Tete