Love thy neighbor as thyself

Until next time…

Today marks a bittersweet day for me. It has much significance in that it brings forth great jubilation through the realization that Christ has conquered death through His resurrection, but it also marks the day my father would suffer a fatal stroke that would ultimately call him home to our Creator. As I write these words, I cannot hold back my tears. In fact, since his passing on May 6, 2021, I have felt that I cannot take a full breath of air. I miss him more with each passing day.

As painful as the topic is for me, I believe the sharing of such an experience is so important to all. It is a call and reminder to cherish your loved ones, resolve petty grievances, and love like you’ve never loved before. A call to love all people, even the most difficult people when we feel we simply cannot.

 I will forever be grateful that I was able to spend a few hours by his bedside as he lay there so vulnerable. We held hands tightly, we cried, but we could not speak to one another, for he had lost his ability to say another word. I still spoke to him and told him how much I loved him, and I did not stop ceasing holding his hand while giving him several kisses on his forehead.

As you recall I shared that even when he could speak, he was a man of few words. Yet, his love was understood, never doubtful. Now, speechless, his eyes shared that same love. Through his eyes, I knew he undoubtedly loved me. Thank you, Jesus for that moment with him. Thank you.

It has been through this experience that I am fully aware of how valuable time truly is. Furthermore, I am fully aware of the healing power of Christ’s Resurrection. It is through the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior that I have received the grace to accept difficult moments, and obtained hope that life does not end at death. Rather, I now view it as a new beginning. Therefore, the title of this shared event is called, “Until next time.” Because, I refused to say goodbye to my father, I simply told him, “Until next time.” God bless you, dad.  May you rest in his loving arms and know that you will not ever be forgotten.

Prayer: God grant me your continued grace and healing powers to rise above life’s hardships. May I fix my eyes and heart on you, always, despite the bitterness of life. Thank you for granting us salvation through your Passion and Resurrection. In your name, we pray. Amen. By Isabel Anderson