Until Then

I sit here in the quiet, watching you sleep. It’s the calmest I’ve seen you in weeks. No distress, no frustration, no pensive expression. I think you’re finally resting. It’s good to see you peaceful, because you haven’t been for a while now. A couple of years ago it all started, and that was hard, too. And I can’t even imagine what it was like, or continues to be like, for your family.

We’ve been friends for probably fifteen years or so; our kids the same age. You were new to town and your realtor sent you to me for a haircut. I invited you to church and we’ve been friends ever since. Our family was the first family with which you let your son, your youngest of three, go away on a weekend trip. Our boys had a blast and we were thankful our son had a friend to occupy his time.

Your girls are beautiful, inside and out, and it has been a pleasure watching them blossom into such lovely ladies. Both girls full of life and love and energy.

You’ve been a great mom, launching your kids into adulthood and allowing them to spread their wings and chart their own course. We’ve had more than one chat about where your kids were and what they were doing. I know it wasn’t easy, letting them go, but you did it, and I’m proud of you.

You and your husband have always been a unified front. And the glitter in each of your eyes when you speak of the other is impossible to miss. We all should strive to attain such a strong bond. You two have done well.

But life isn’t fair, and here we are, watching this brutal level of unfairness unfold. And it is painful. And now your sleep has turned stressful once again. And I don’t want to leave you.

But the world continues to spin, and tasks must be accomplished and I must return to work. The rational side of me knows that you are safe and warm in your bed, but the heart side of me is wrought, seeing your body struggle for rest. But I rub your shoulder, tell you I love you, and put on a smile as I tell the others to have a good day. This is awful.

~~~~~~~

That was yesterday, and it has come and gone. And this morning I got the text. “The” text. The one I never wanted to get, but knew you needed. You have found your peace. You have found your rest. You have received your reward. Well done, my friend. You deserve your crown. Your physical body betrayed you, but your love for God The Father never did. You are sweet in the arms of Jesus.

You will be missed by us all, but we know you are bright and shining in the heavens, your spirit renewed. We will see you again, and rejoice with you. Until then, thank you for the legacy you leave, and the love you leave with us all.