seventh

This weekend marked the one year passing of a beautiful little girl. Everyone knows that a child is the greatest treasure, but there are some who go beyond precious. These are the ones taken long before we are ready to let them go.
This little one wasn't mine, but I was blessed with very generous friends who allowed me a place in their family, taught me selfless acts of service, joy in the smallest blessings, heartache in the highest degree, and gratitude for all I have.
It has been a remarkable experience for me the last 5 years to watch this family grow ever closer to the Lord and each other as they prepared to let go of their sister and daughter. From first illness to diagnosis- from treatment to medication- from fighting every step to giving basic comfort, knowing her body would decline as her spirit prepared for glory, they have worked together to lift the burden and ease the pain. Their lives moved through the steps of school, home, work, and church as smoothly as they could make it.
This sister was never off-limits to the fun shared in a house full of girls. She was bounced on the bed, spun around, tickled, and danced with. Her hair and nails were made-up. She was cleaned and dressed by loving hands. There was never a minute in the day when her well-being wasn't top priority! Not one of her 5 sisters was ever embarrassed to be seen pushing her wheelchair
or clearing her airway in public. At home they continually recognized sounds of distress and were there to help.
As the time neared to let her go, these sisters gathered together giving and seeking comfort from each other. By preparing a foundation of love for the Lord and building up knowledge that there is life beyond this one, Her parents were able to gather family close, hold this precious daughter in their arms, allow each member to kiss her goodbye, and knowing that God is ever watchful, suurendered her into the hands of our Savior.
Now I know that her parents would do anything to have her back, that there isn't a day when they don't feel her loss, but they are comforted by their faith! What an amazing thing-FAITH!
They believe their family is whole, that the separation between this life and the next is only a fraction of time. And they know that she and Jesus are up there...waiting.

"And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away"