A True Make Believe Story

This is a story I wrote based on an illustration given in a talk by Dr. Ray Barfield, Pediatric Oncologist.  http.www.veritas.org/Talks.qspx#!/v/1197

ONCE UPON A TIME...
In the land of make believe, a son was born to an average woman and an average man.  But he was an exceptional baby in every way and special circumstances surrounded his birth.  For on thing, his mother almost died but her life was spared by her Gracious God who knew she would love the baby very much and help him in the days to come.

AND EVERY DAY...
She loved the baby and gave thanks to her God for His magnificent gifts-- the gift of her healthy son and having her days extended to be able to watch him grow up.  In time, the woman and the man adopted another child.  The woman's life was now complete. She adored her new baby as much as the first and she brought her much joy.

UH OH MOMENT...
Then, one day, as the boy was becoming a man, he fell ill and the woman was told he would not survive.  She cried and wept bitter tears and fell on her knees and begged her God to have mercy on her and spare the child.

BECAUSE OF THIS...
Or maybe because it was God's just plan all along, God healed her son.  But he did more than restore her son's health.  God also healed the woman of many of her fears.  She learned lessons that improved her health also and put her family on a better path in extraordinary ways.  But as time went on, the son had set-backs and slow-downs even though God still restored him at every turn.  The woman knew it was God who healed him because the doctors never held out any hope  Her son grew in grace and knowledge and loved God in a way that only someone facing death every day learns to do.  He was loved and respected by all who knew him.

and because of this...
His friends introduced him to a fair maiden who made his life complete.  They had a story book wedding and lived happily...  He loved her deeply and provided for her future knowing he may not always be there to take care of her.

UNTIL FINALLY...
He was stricken for the last time- 'Ever After' was not part of their story.  He was not concerned for himself as he praised his God and longed for his heavenly dwelling place. And yet, he dreaded leaving his fair maiden, his beautiful, loving sister and his mother who had helped him when he needed it.  He anticipated his heavenly home where *"everything sad would become untrue,"  and he would run and laugh in perfect health awaiting the day he will greet his family at the end of their days.

AND EVER SINCE THAT DAY... (how you will be remembered)
Those who knew him, remember him with fondness.  They remember he made them smile, and think, and feel loved and special.  They miss him every day and wish they could tell him how much they loved him one more time even thought they know he remembers.  They wish he could help them think clearly like he used to do and see things in a way that only he could understand and explain.  But most of all they give thanks for the gift of his life, the privilege of having him as a brother, husband, son, friend, nephew, grandson and cousin.  His memory is sweet even when the memory of his loss is bitter.  And they look forward to that day when they will meet again on that heavenly shore.  Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be.  But for now, the man's father, still cries when he remembers what he once had.


*reference to LOTR (best explanation I've read:  http://www.fabsharford.com/everything-sad-will-come-untrue/