Lessons From the Edge

Saying, "See you tomorrow!" doesn't always mean you will.

It's a sad lesson this week. But an important one, nonetheless.

When I got into work Monday, everyone was bustling around.
The police had just left, and the paramedics were on their way. Because one of our residents died Sunday night in his sleep, I was told.
I was shocked. "D died??? But he's so - full of life!"

And he was.
Took daily walks.
Always met me in the hallway with a hearty greeting.
Wore a smile wherever he went.
And never had a harsh word for anyone.
D was a true delight.

But - just like that - he was gone. Went to sleep Sunday night, and never woke up.

One of the special things D did was looking out for G - whose husband recently died. The one at whose funeral I sang. D sat at their table in the dining room, and always made sure G had what she needed. Salt? Pepper? Butter for her roll? More water? D watched out for her. And at our staff meeting Monday morning, we all wondered, How is G going to handle this news???
I agreed to be the one who would tell her.
It took G a short minute to understand what I was saying, but once she got it she repeated several times, "But yesterday he said, 'See you tomorrow, G!' He said, 'See you tomorrow!' How could he be dead?"
I prayed with G. And we remembered together the hope we have for eternity because of what Jesus has done for us. His shed blood covers our sin, so we may be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God when we receive Him. And that's a very good thing!
But the pain of earthly loss is real, and I couldn't overlook her sadness. Nor could I forget what she kept repeating. He said, 'See you tomorrow!' How could he be dead?

As I played her words over in my head this week I was reminded: None of us owns tomorrow. We aren't guaranteed another day. We can only be sure of this very moment. So living and loving in this moment is what we need to do. Because...

Saying, "See you tomorrow!" doesn't always mean you will.