A Closer Walk with Thee

My mother passed away September 4, 2007. Though a traumatic experience, her body had just given out. (I showcase a few photos here of this beautiful woman throughout her life.)

The Sunday following her death I decided I needed to attend Mass, though it would be very difficult.

The closing hymn turned out to be A Closer Walk with Thee. Having come from a protestant background, I quickly recognized the hymn. The choir lead had given everyone the refrain, suggesting they at least try to sing along, since it wasn't in our hymnal. In all the time I have attended this church, this was a first for using a hymn with no hymnal reference.

I was the only parishioner who sang along with the choir throughout every verse and every word. I cried throughout the song. You see, it was my mother's favorite hymn, and the Masses throughout the weekend had been dedicated to her.

After the Mass was over, I dried my tears, and others were leaving, I went to our wonderfully talented pianist, who always plays at this particular Mass. I asked her who had chosen that hymn. She said she plays for a lot of protestant funerals and for some reason thought it would be a good hymn to use that day.

I gave her the biggest hug and told her the story through more tears, gratefully thanking her. Then I thanked God for laying this idea on her heart just for me!

           
In memory of Letha Hockensmith. From top and left-to-right at the bottom, photos of my lovely mother who was beautiful until the end. They are: in her 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, her 80th birthday, and shortly before her death at age 90. Thank you, readers, for allowing me to honor her on this page.

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