The Madness of Hope

The Dance Goes On: For Irene

On April 15th, I wrote a post about a dear friend who was nearing her life here on earth due to a long fight with breast cancer. She loved to watch her daughter dance and pushed herself until she no longer could: attending practices and competitions.

Sunday, my husband and I entered her bedroom to pray and read Scripture with her one last time. Before we entered the house, we prayed she would hear our words and be blessed and comforted.

I took her frail, thin hand and spoke gentle to my beautiful friend, telling her how proud of her I was and how well she had lived this life here on earth. She was unresponsive. Then I read from 1 Peter 1:1-9, "Although you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an indescribably and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of our soul."

With all she could muster, my sweet friend moaned loudly, an agreement, an 'AMEN'.

Yesterday, Heaven's gates opened wide and Irene, left this her shell of this earthly body to rush into the arms of our loving Lord. I wonder if He held her long and tight. If they laughed and cried, and hugged again. Maybe He squeezed her so hard He lifted her off the ground!

Then He escorted her in.

The Dance Goes On.

This is not a dance she has to muster all her will power to lovingly watch. This is a dance she has energy, joy, and health to dance along with.

You fought the good fight, my Friend. You gave it your all. You were a wonderful mother. I love you and will see you on the other side. I'll dance with you there.