Faithful Friends Ruth told Naomi, “Do not urge me to leave you... For where you go I will go….” (Ruth 1:16) ESV The day I dreaded finally came. For months prior, every funeral viewing left me with a feeling of foreboding. It was surreal to comfort someone in their loss when I knew my own loss was approaching, to walk so closely with the dying. Though I prayed for a miracle on Earth, the moment inevitably arrived. My son died, and the funeral viewing took place. I feared what I would see behind those closed doors—a reality I didn’t want to accept. The sight of my son in a casket was truly awful. The pain tore through my body until I felt as though I could barely stand. Forcibly, I moved away to look at the many pictures of his smiling face placed throughout the room. I wanted to remember him, not in death, but as I knew he was now—completely healed, full of life and joy eternal. I worried mental images from that day would haunt me in the weeks and months to come. Although the tragic details and feelings of loss have stayed with me, they haven’t left me despairing. For in those dark hours, I also remember the loving presence of three faithful friends. During the months that Austin spent in hospice care, I contacted three friends individually to ask that they stand by my side at the viewing. I feared well-intentioned but insensitive remarks, and my inability to withstand the heartbreak they would bring. And stand by me they did! They rearranged schedules, temporarily set aside their families’ needs, and stepped out of comfort zones to be with me. From the moment the first person offered condolences until the last people passed through the line, my friends remained. Every time I turned around, those three faces were nearby. They brought me tissues and snuck me Diet Coke. They ministered through reassurances and traffic patrol. They cried and laughed with me, and when there were no words, they were quiet. Most importantly, they offered their unwavering presence. Like 14 treasure
JAN-MAR 2022
