She's seen the afterlife

We all have moments in our lives that will be etched into out minds and hearts forever. Be it your first kiss, the birth of a child, meeting your best friend for the first time, even the death of someone special can linger in our memories for as long as we allow.

As we all face obstacles that we feel that we can not overcome and when we are given more than we feel that we can handle, remember that there are those that have been given much more to bear, when they clearly don't deserve the hand that they had been dealt.

I recently met someone that has been given no other recourse but to make arrangements and to expect not to see many more sunrises nor sunsets. She was very open and settled with her prognosis to the point that I was a bit taken back. Once I recovered from the shock that this total stranger that stood before me was given basically a death sentence, we began what became an eye opening conversation. As I attempted to finish up with the task at hand, we got on the topic of a book that my sister had just bought for me to read. I am not much of a reader, so the book was left sitting on my desk. I mentioned to Lucille, my new friend, that this book was written about a young boy that had entered into Heaven and met God and Jesus.

"I've been to the Gates of Pearl", Lucille shared. A few years ago she was in the fight of her life and for seven minutes during her struggle she had medically died. Gone. She was on her way to eternal life and she described it as beautiful, peaceful place. She was not afraid. According to her she was sent back, quite unhappy about it. Lucille was given a chance to see what lies ahead for all that have Jesus in their hearts. She was moved to the point to where she is more than ready to go back... at some points, this world seems not to compare favorably.

Right then, I realized that perhaps my own fear of death was actually a fear of the unknown. Lucille's sense of humor throughout our conversation is probably what got me through it without sitting down and sobbing. What most dread, she embraces. I found myself being comforted by this woman who herself faces certain death.

Lucille was my Angel, and her words about Heaven are very reassuring. The unknown is no longer quite so unknown for me... She made it completely known that the "Gates of Pearl" do exist. I was humbled to the point that I had asked if I could hug her as she walked away. We shared appreciation for being who we were.

I will remember Lucille for as long as my memory allows and I pray that she finds her peace when Heaven is ready to present her the wings that she so deserves. By the way the title of the book was "Heaven is For Real" and I did read it and am thankful that I did.