A Constant Unchanging Love {First Love}

It was not an easy trip, traveling to Ohio to be with my dear brother and his sweet wife who was hospitalized after severe complications in the treatment of her leukemia. She had been in and out of the hospital for months, and we knew this hospitalization was going to be different than the others.

Filled with tears and heartache as my sweet sis-in-law was placed in hospice, we stayed for sixteen days, giving help and comfort. Such a heart-breaking, difficult path; yet, we were the privileged ones to walk beside those we love. Sacred moments, the last moments of life on this earth. Heart-wrenching moments as my brother watched his wife slipping away. Such devotion, not even leaving her side for nights, but sleeping on a cot nearby in her room. And how could I be so honored to be one of those at their side; heartbroken, but on "holy ground".  Awed by her sweet smiles, and her uncomplaining spirit. And so moved by his love and devotion. 

Tearful, yet thankful for His strength that carried us through ...

• a window of time for us to be gone from home for 18 days
• paid medical leave to help our family in their time of need
• my patient, loving husband, so willing to give of his time 
• His grace, giving me strength even as we walked into the hospital, not knowing for sure what to expect, or if we could bear to walk this path
• my sis-in-law's sweet spirit throughout the two weeks we were there
• my brother's devoted care for her through months of hospital stays

• amazing doctors and nurses on the palliative/hospice floor
• medications to ease pain
• comforting psalms, and life-giving prayers
• reminders of His love, unchanging
• answers to many prayers
• a quiet passing during peaceful sleep

How we miss our precious sis-in-law. We are grieving, and we are in need of comfort. For in all of life, there are two constants. We are all born into this world. And for each of us, there will come a time when we will leave this world. We are the wiser to ponder, and to prepare, and to receive comfort.  

"And I am convinced that

nothing can ever separate us from God's love.

Neither death nor life ...

No powers in the sky above or in the earth below -

indeed, nothing in all creation

will ever be able to separate us from the love of God

that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

(from Romans 8:38-39)

Lord, teach me more of what is most important in life. To live life to the full, holding all our moments as sacred. And to pursue You with my whole heart - the One who will carry us through all of life, and through death, and to an eternity of being loved. A constant Love, a First Love, a Forever Love.  

Linking up with:
Imperfect Prose
Faith Filled Friday
Fellowship Fridays