Even if I’d never been a father, this picture would touch me. But because I have, it touches me even more deeply. It pierces my heart and salves it all at once. Why? Because even as I write this my wife’s mother is struggling to release her own mortal coil, to be set free the way this precious little boy has been.
She’s much older, of course, and has enjoyed a life of physical mobility this dear child never had. But now he’s the free one, far more free than she. Or any of us, for that matter. The roles are temporarily reversed. I love her, and her closest family members love her even more, so our tasks are twofold:
- First, to be grateful for her and her time with us, and to accept it as enough; for some that’s the most difficult part.
- Second, to learn from her passing. Because the people we love can teach us how to live, but they can also teach us how to die, if we let them. And when they do…
They teach us to be free.
Strong very wonderful truths here. I lift a prayer of comfort for you and the family as you cross that bridge but also with some other comforts knowing, again you will meet on those golden shores.
Thank you so much, Anita.
Truth. My husband did just that.
I wish that, instead of a star for Like, WordPress had a heart symbol.
So beautiful and it touched my heart very deeply. My mom passed away from cancer almost 29 years ago at 39.
Even at the young age I was, I knew her physical body would be restored immediately when in the presence of Jesus and she would be pain free.
Thank you so much for this post, that image is beyond words for me. I would like to reblog it sometime.
May God bless you and your family.
Thank you so much, Shanon.
Wow. Now THAT’s what I call “divine perspective!” I know that most church prayer lists have names of people who are in the hospital, followed by “Pray for healing!” But I trust God with my body. If He wants to heal me, He will – and has, many times. In the likely event that someday I am the one in that situation, my prayer will be, “If my time has come, let me finish well.”
Every situation is different, of course. She’s in her late 80s, has had a massive stroke and is ready to go home, we believe. God could certainly heal her, but in this case the family’s not sensing that’s what to pray for.
Prayers for strength and comfort for you. Confidence for her as she makes that glorious transition.
Thank you.
So sorry for what you are going through. We lost several loved ones very close together and it is hard. I learned to move them from my past to my future once they made the transition to the Kingdom of Light. I remember them well but I look forward to seeing them again more. Blessings to you and your family during this time!
Thank you, Valerie.
thank you for the perspective. it makes me more grateful for the time I have with my children and grandchild.
Glad to hear that, Eric.
thanks for sharing the view of the wheelchair tomb stone. It brought tears to my eyes even though I have no contact with the family.
Just lovely, Mitch.
Mitch, thank you very much for sharing this with us. It’s sad to see them go, but we too can learn a lot from their lives. May God’s comfort, reassurance, and peace be present in her passing, and remain with her loved ones.
Amen.
I am so sorry for your impending loss, and so very happy for the blest one who is soon to get her wings.
Thank you, Sarah.
I’m so sorry, Mitch! I hope your loved one’s passing is peaceful, and the knowledge that she is indeed being set free is comforting to all of you.
Thanks so much, Ann.
Some day that will be my daughter . Free ! Bless you and your loved ones while you prepare to say goodbye. Until we all meet again !
Amen, PK.
You hit a home run, Mitch.
Praying for you and yours, Mitch! And, by the way, your post truly resonates!!Thank you!!
Great picture! Sad post, but part of life. God bless!
Beautiful. Yes, it pierces and salves the heart.
Thanks for sharing this. Where else can we find what other people are thinking?
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Lovely words. They remind me of a very dear family member who passed away some years ago.
So sorry to hear that, Anita. Good to meet you.
Thanks, and no worries. It’s good to have the memories.
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