I'm Glad It Was Me

By Elizabeth M. Williams

I'm Glad It Was Me is a true story about how a three-day trip to Ohio turned into a four-month journey of discovery, sorrow, and pain. God had an assignment for me. A gentle nudge and kaleidoscope clues were the very tools needed to start my assignment, but in the middle of it all came questions, doubts, and many challenges. I was now being beckoned to answer His call on my life through sacrifice and obedience and help care for one of the most important persons in my life who came closer to death each day. Was I prepared to handle everything God had placed in my midst?

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781639610488

Book preview

I'm Glad It Was Me

Elizabeth M. Williams

ISBN 978-1-63961-047-1 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88616-755-9 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-63961-048-8 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Elizabeth M. Williams

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Quote by St. Francis de Sales

Make yourself familiar with the angels and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you.

By St. Francis de Sales

The Woman’s Study Bible

(The New King James Version)

Copyright August 1998

Thomas Nelson Publishers (Nashville)

Lyrics to:

I Almost Let Go

By Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers

A Tapestry of Peace CD

Scripture Readings By Sharolyn Sander

Piano Music by John Strege

And God Said

Poem by K.C. and Myke Kuzmic, Stockton, CA.

(Internet Source)

Posted on the wall at the Oklahoma City bombing.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible New King James Version® copyright ©1982, The Woman’s Study Bible copyright ©1995 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

A Beautiful Legacy: Advocate Angel

Advocate Angel

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

The Three of Us

Chapter 2

Kaleidoscope Clues

Chapter 3

Nagging Feelings

Chapter 4

Back Home

Chapter 5

Lonely Journey

Chapter 6

Hospital Visits

Chapter 7

Midnight Tears

Chapter 8

Hospice Care

Chapter 9

Goodbye, Mom

Chapter 10

Gratitude and Prayers

About the Author

A Beautiful Legacy: Advocate Angel

Advocate Angel

February 27, 1934–November 27, 2016

December 10, 2016

Goodbye

Dear Mother,

You were a wonderful blessing to so many people, especially myself and big brother Eric. You were a champion, a fighter, a supporter—strong-willed. You filled so many shoes and walked with grace and dignity.

You believed when faith wavered. You always hoped for the best. You quietly instilled wisdom in others where needed. You listened when there was much to be said. You encouraged those to be their best and do their best. You loved the unloved and sacrificed so much for the greater good.

You gave unselfishly from your heart.

You were an advocate angel who filled so many shoes and walked with grace and dignity. I now want to gracefully step into your shoes and continue your legacy as an advocate angel. You leave behind a beautiful legacy—an advocate angel.

In Loving Memory

My mom

Eva Gail Bryant

Foreword

By Christina Ray Williams

It is with great pride that I write this foreword for my mother's first book. My mom has dreamed of becoming a writer since before I can remember. Growing up, she would dust off her typewriter and, later, her laptop to write short stories or poems. She had many great ideas—all of them spiritually uplifting stories of love and hope.

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, it was my grandmother's passing that led her to finally put pen to paper. Processing the grief and hurt that she felt as she cared for my grandmother during the final weeks of her life resulted in this book, I'm Glad It Was Me.

It is my mother's hope that this book helps others find solace in the wake of a loved one's passing.

Acknowledgments

The Most Important People in My Life

This book is dedicated to the memory of my loving mother-in-law, Eva Gail Bryant. She holds a special place in my heart. I love you and will see you on the other side, at the appointed time.

Your son-in-law,

Kevin Andre Williams

Motivating

A COVID-19 survivor. Kevin, you're an amazing husband and father. How could I ever thank you for all that you've done for our small family, including our son, Cameron Tyler Williams. May he rest in peace. Your endless love, steadfast commitment, and constant sacrifices have allowed me to blossom into a lovely, caring, and compassionate woman. You're always in my corner, expressing interests in new ventures I may have brought to the table. And, there were many. Thank you with all my heart and love, especially the midnight cups of Bengal Spice tea, and the spur-of-the-moment trips to Lake Geneva, WI and Washington, D.C. to visit our daughter, Christina.

May God bless us with thirty-four more years together.

Encouraging

Christina, my darling daughter, an international traveler—you mean the world to me. I'll always cherish our intimate mother-and-daughter chats and the wonderful times we spent together—to the North Shore, a quick turnaround, and back home again. I'm so proud of the beautiful woman you've become, your awesome achievements and success. You were your grandmother's favorite. She loved and adored you so much. I know Grandma Eva is looking down from heaven with the biggest smile on her face. She would be proud of you too. Thank you for encouraging and pushing me to finish I'm Glad It Was Me.

Caring

Celia M. Berry, my dear aunt, whose heart is filled with kindness and generosity—enough to circle the earth. I am forever grateful to you and Uncle Joe (Joseph Berry) for keeping me safe when I moved to Chicago. You both took great care of me while putting my mother's worry to ease. I paid off my student loans and saved enough money for my first apartment in Oak Park. I know you know this, but it was my mother's desire to get well and move to Chicago. She told everybody, I want to be near my sister, Celia, and live with my daughter and son-in-law. I send you my gratitude from the bottom of my heart.

Inspiring

Gloria (Aunt Glo) Middleton, I've always said you've been like a second mother to me. Your profound wisdom, worldly insights, and keen sensibility are absolutely amazing. I'll never forget the time baby Christina and I stayed with you and my favorite uncle, Uncle Buddy (Randall Paul Middleton). What a wonderful blessing that was for me. You both somehow engineered a sense of calmness, stability, and security into my life. I really enjoy talking with you. Our conversations are so inspiring and thought provoking. You're always motivating me to pursue my dreams. Thank you for instilling purpose and determination in me.

Loving

Laura and Donald Thomas, my dear cousins. Travels from the East Coast to the Midwest wouldn't be the same without the layovers in Ohio even during our grieving seasons. I thank you a million times over for your hospitality, endless hours of laughter and loving ways.

I love you both so much!

Sharing

To my cousin, Dianne Haucly. We grew up together, played games during the family reunions and crossed paths as college