Saturday, August 24, 2013

Her beautiful spirit...

So this is grief... frequent flashbacks. Memories. Sweet memories. Thinking back over the last few years, the last few weeks, her precious last few days. Sensing an emptiness left void, one that only her presence can fill. Worrying about those who miss her most, wondering if they will be okay. I always knew she was special; I just had no idea how much other people treasured her. I didn't realize the impact she made in their lives.

Loved ones came to visit her as she lay in her hospital bed. She was too weak to open her eyes. She was too weak to speak. Yet somehow, she mustered up the strength to smile. People whispered sweet things in her ear. A few even told her they came to know Christ because of her. Oh how precious that they came to see her, to tell her these treasures in her last few days. Oh how precious that we (her children) could witness such beauty.

I believe God began healing her of each of her afflictions as she lay in her bed. She was wearing a hospital gown, & she slept more peacefully than we had ever known. At times, I felt as though she was enjoying our company & holding on for just one more moment. I don't think she wanted to leave us, but then again... she had such peace. Maybe she just knew she had an eternity to live in Heaven, & a  few more days on earth, a few more hours, or even moments were worth her tarry.

As each day passed, we realized that God is God, & we are not. The Lord gives, & the Lord takes. Yet, strangely enough, it seems (in some cases), He allows people to hang on for the arrival of one last precious family member. We were told that some like to give up their spirit privately. They might be a little shy. Others go peacefully when their family members are present. We were grateful she wasn't suffering. Her peace surpassed our understanding.

So... we kept her company. We sang her hymns. We played her favorite music. We prayed. We shared scripture. We told her favorite jokes. We held her hand. We kissed her. Lots of memories were recounted. It was a cherished time, a time more precious than words can describe. She amazed us right up to her very last breath. Now she is fully healed. No more suffering. No more tears. As she abides in Heaven, we carry on... knowing how blessed we are to have been touched by her beautiful spirit.

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