Christmas 2021 has passed, but not the memories. Two weeks prior, my mother-in-law became sick and the Sunday afternoon before December 25th an ambulance transported her to the hospital. Given the current restrictions, my wife could only visit the hospital for one hour a day, but that did not deter her from visiting and spending time with her mother.
Early afternoon on the 25th, the doctor called my wife and said that we had better come to the hospital as my mother-in-law was in her final hours on earth. Wearing uncomfortable masks, gowns, gloves, and eye protection, we sat by the hospital bed. For several hours we sat, prayed, and watched her labored breathing waiting for the final moment to arrive. Her last, calm breath came late on Christmas night as she passed into eternity.
Early in her life, my mother-in-law had trusted Christ as her Savior, and she knew that she would be in His presence in Heaven. Passing “from death unto life1”, she is with Jesus, her husband, sister, other loved ones, and friends. Since Saturday night, phone calls, text messages, notes, and other personalized messages have poured in saying how my mother-in-law impacted the lives of other people.
Take the time now to speak into the lives of those family members and people who are around you. The photo is from the Khe Sahn display in the Vietnam exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine Corps2. The Marine leaning over is saying goodbye to his friend that was killed in action. Once someone dies it is too late to tell them what they meant to you and how they touched your life.
Yes, there are some people that we have no idea of how to contact and that is beyond our control. However, there are individuals that you can reach out to now and let them know how they have impacted your life before it is too late. Don’t wait and don’t delay.
1John 5:24 NKJV
2National Museum of the Marine Corps – The National Museum of the Marine Corps (usmcmuseum.com)
