That Is Not My Mom’s Middle Name

My parents had planned a trip to Italy and were supposed to go in early 2020. But their plans were postponed due to the COVID pandemic the world began to face. Over the course of the next year and a half, Mom and Dad worked on refreshing different documents and accounts so that, if anything should happen to them while they’re on their trip, we (their children) would be able to help from home.

Well, their trip to Italy finally came around and halfway through it, I received a phone call from the County Medical Examiner informing me of a body they had for my mom, who they referenced by first and last name. The world stopped turning for a moment and all I could continue to say to the man on the other end of the phone was, “What? What? What? What? What? What?” By the 15^th “What?” he caught on to my surprise and decided to clarify the middle name: Louise. PHEW!

That is not my mom’s middle name.

I hung up with the County Medical Examiner, but I was still stuck in that stopped world. I finally took a breath and realized that my mom was okay. But my body was still in shock with the feelings that came from that false alarm.

I learned that day just how much my mom, my dad, my wife, my children, my family, or how much anyone means to anyone. After sharing the story with my wife, she shared how happy she was that my mom was okay, but then added how sad it must be for the real family of the person who had passed.

I’ll be honest that I have a refreshed perspective of what family means this Holiday season. I can’t imagine that medical examiners make the mistake often, at least I’d hope not. And all too often, the hurt of lost family members stings deeper as we make our way through the Holidays.

For those who can say, “That is not my mom’s middle name,” take advantage of the time you have. If you’re close to family or friends, lean a little closer. If you’re estranged, don’t stop praying. As long as we have breath to share the name and love of Jesus, and those around us are here to hear it, don’t wait. We can always point people to the steadfast love of God and the hope that is found in Him.

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end;

²³ they are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,

“therefore I will hope in Him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

I am so grateful this Holiday season to say… That is not my mom’s middle name.