One Last Tear
By Susan Aken
“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” Psalm 103:15-16
My mom’s breath began to slow and then there was one last breath. The first sound I heard on this earth, my mom’s heartbeat, was about to stop. Sobbing, my two sisters and I clung to her as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
I gripped her hand as it became as lifeless as an empty glove.
One last tear had been shed.
Her body was an empty shell left behind.
Here are lessons I learned:
Dying is hard.
Regret is devastating.
Moments are fleeting.
Opportunities pass.
There’s a last time for everything on earth.
Seize the moment.
Love well.
Make eye contact while you can.
Say I love you often.
A person’s tent is just that – a tent, not the person.
Jesus conquered death.
Hug while you can.
Grief will not be rushed.
Grief stops time.
Rushing doesn’t improve life.
Trust requires patience.
Trust is shown in a gentle and quiet spirit.
Waiting patiently requires us to stop and be quiet.
Faith is the evidence of things not seen. It’s trusting without seeing.
My mom is with Jesus.
Singing, rejoicing, and praising.
Free from suffering, pain and loneliness.
Free of guilt, hurt, and sorrow.
Life is a mist, a vapor,
a puff of smoke,
a flower that blooms in the morning and dies at night.
Live purposefully.
Live intentionally.
Walk with Jesus.
Follow His voice.
Simplify, listen, and follow.
How could you live more intentionally?
Who do you need to say, “I love you” to today?
Susan Aken is a homemaker, teacher, writer, and frequent contributor to Wholly Loved Ministries’ projects. She lives in Nebraska but was born and raised in Oklahoma. She and her husband have one son. Her greatest love is for the Lord Jesus Christ who has redeemed her and set her free. Susan enjoys reading, photography, spending time with family and friends, and writing. She has a heart for prayer ministry and loves her church. Visit her online at susanaken53.wordpress.com
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