Thursday, September 5, 2013

The visitation (part II)


 

Shari and her husband were standing at the head of Nathan’s casket.


     “Can you imagine if that were your son?” A lady behind me asked.


     “No, I can’t.” 


     As I approached his casket, I noticed Nathan was wearing a trendy rubber bracelet imprinted with the words “CLASS OF 2013.”


      I hugged Shari and gave her my condolences.  


     “Thank you for the flowers.” 


     “You are welcome.” 


     “I think of you when I look at them.”


     “I woke at four in the morning ... ” 


     I couldn’t utter another word as my throat clamped shut like a vice grip. I put my hands together to symbolize prayer and began crying.


     I was able to finish what I was trying to say. 


     “I stayed awake until 5:00 a.m.” 


     “I am glad because that was when I needed prayer.”


     We’ve been in the same Sunday school class for over ten years and have endured many rough times. I hugged her husband and spoke to him.


     “I have something for you,” he said.


     He reached in his pocket and pulled out a mint. We laughed. I brought mints to Sunday school to share.






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