"Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away." anonymous
I had one of those moments this week when I witnessed my thirteen year old son stroke the hair and face of his dying grandmother. It is a difficult time for our family. That can't be denied. We traveled to Los Angeles so my boys could visit their grandmother one last time. Her health is failing and it will not be long before she leaves this world to dance in the streets of heaven. I wondered how my sons would do in this difficult moment. My husband and I gave them the option to come into the room or not; to speak or not; to come closer or stay away. But despite the fact that grandma can no longer open her eyes or respond to them; despite the tubes and contraptions and even the rank smells that are often found in a nursing home, my 13 year old son exhibited the grace and strength of one much older and wiser. He stroked my mother's hair that has now grown longer and whiter. He caressed her check that is no longer "made up" with dusty rose blush (her favorite,) and squeezed her hand that can no longer feel his loving touch. I watched as my child comforted my dying mother.... and it took my breath away.
Moments like these are like catching a glimpse of God. Like feeling His spirit brush up against ours and a little chill rushes down our body, that suddenly causes our breath to be caught in our throat.
Dying before her time, my mother will be missed. However it's amazing that in the darkness there is light and in death there is hope.
May God take your breath away today.
