Time is Short

I just returned from visiting an elderly woman who is going to die. She is in the very late stages of cancer, and has been given a short time to live. As I entered the room, seeing her three grown daughters sitting by her side, I started to cry. The very sight of “death” made me feel so helpless and sad. Just seeing them gathering and uniting as this time brought tears to my eyes.

This beautiful woman has lead a very full life. Sixty two years of marriage, several children and grand children. She is a very accomplished woman with more talents than seems fair. But sitting there, as she held my hand, I realized how fleeting this all is. She hugged me and stroked my hands while she visited. She reminisced and told stories. I saw a small picture of very full life.
During the conversation, she spoke of death many times. Of how we shouted for joy to receive a body, and how we’ll shout for joy to leave it; and return home. She told me that next week she’s going to be painting the yellow trim on her house; up there. She said how excited she was to see her parents and siblings. The peace of this knowledge was so comforting. To know why we came here, how miraculous life is, and the joyous event of returning home; how truly perfect. We are so very blessed to know of God’s plan for each of us.

I am so very thankful to have been there tonight. To say goodbye to a lovely soul, to tell her we’ll come and see her again soon. And to hear her response of, yes, we’ll see each other again.

When it was time to leave, I realized how quickly life passes us by.

How blessed we are. I am reminded more tonight to enjoy my life. To let the dishes sit while I play with my kids. To take time to actually talk and cuddle with my husband. To visit with my parents more, and stay close to my siblings. I know that when the day comes for me to be lying in that bed, I’ll wonder where the time went. I’ll have more memories than I’ll know what to do with. And I hope I’ll be as brave as this sweet woman. Fully embracing the reality of what is to come, and look forward to it with such excitement.