Well, this isn't at all funny as my last post promised, but I feel compelled to share the last week's events. A very incredible family I know lost their 18 year old to a very valiantly fought battle with cancer. It breaks my heart for this Mom and Dad, but 3 weeks ago, when they were told there was nothing else to be done, they chose to honor her and take her home for her last few weeks. First of all, that in itself is amazing to me. They were so brave to choose to take her home. Last Weds, she was for the most part, in a coma, and didn't respond to anything all day. Her pastor told her he had to leave to go to church around 5:30 pm, and she said "Stay a few more minutes." He made arrangements at church and stayed bedside with her and her parents.
Around 10 pm, she spoke again and said "I see Him." Then she said something about seeing a lot of water and there were angels everywhere. Her mom said "Jennifer, are you ready to go to the angels?" and her wonderful father leaned in and said "Jennifer, we will be ok. Just run to Jesus." and within a few minutes, she smiled and took her last breath.
This all has made me think about things in a new light. As a 'progressive country', we push these feelings to the side, and all too often, die in the midst of machines beeping and medical teams. (MDs who may happen upon this, don't take it wrong!) I just think we refuse to see death as a natural part of life and we try to 'sanitize it' for lack of a better word. But this family had the perfect, intimate passing, as hard is it was/is/is going to be.
So in her death as in her life, she teaches me/us grace, mercy and faithfulness in life and death.
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