Till We Meet Again

We gently knocked at the door and slowly pushed it trying not to disturb her if ever she's asleep. We did not inform anybody that we were going to drop by and make a visit except her sister who gave us the address of the hospital. 

As we got into the room, she was awake and very much surprised to see us and she immediately recognized and smiled at us. And how she gave me a very long and tight hug. 

It is was very hard for us to realize upon seeing her in the condition she's into now. So fragile, has lost so much weight and apparently nearing her last days. When we come to think of it, last year when we saw her last,  she was already diagnosed of cancer but she was still able to live at least normally. 

Today, Maria (not her real name) tried and struggled to talk normally with us and she seemed to be optimistic but everyone knows that her days are counted. Her sister said that the medical team has actually given up on her and there's no more hope for her to recover as the cancer has spread all over her system. And everyday, her condition is getting worse.

This is so sad. She's too young to depart and she has a wonderful husband who is now retired and could have at least enjoy life more together. The children  are grown ups and well-established and have lovely grandchildren.  But fate or tragedy has come into the  scene unexpectedly.

We didn't want to stay long afraid of making her tired but she insisted us to stay a little bit and wait for her mom and her husband who were on their way to the hospital. We continued talking and evoked those good old days. We talked about the chidren and grandchildren. Our sailing activities during summer, the usual get-together and etc. She was almost in tears when she mentioned about her family. How much they take good care of her and lovingly surround her. Her room is full of flowers, family pictures and her grandchildren's drawings. She is very proud of them.

When her husband and her mom arrived, we decided to leave and her husband accompanied us out. And that's where he broke down and cried. That was so hard to bear. For we all know that that was going to be last time for us to see her alive.

We don't know what to say to confort him. We just put 

our arms around him and hugged him tight. That gesture was more than enough to show how much we feel for them.

When we got into the car, we were having heavy hearts. I felt like crying and I was thinking myself what if that happens to me? How will I be able to handle it? I can't imagine myself leaving too soon. There are still so many things to do in this life and how I wish God will spare me a longer time so I  can enjoy my loved ones and be of service to others. But I haven't got any power to oppose God's will.  So, I leave it all to Him.

 As I think about Maria tonight, I just hope that the pain and sufferings she's got will finally stop and whatever happens, may she will depart at peace and be assured that she will be always loved and be remembered and missed. 

She has lived her life and I am very sure that her departed loved ones must be happy to welcome her at the other side of the veil and will definitely be in good hands. No more pain. No more sufferings. Just peace and love will reign.

And as with my parting words for her that I got it from a part of our church hymne:

"God be with you till we meet again

By his counsels guide up and hold you

With his sheeps securely fold you.

God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet

Till we meet at Jesus feet

God be with you till we meet again." 

I am just grateful that I have learned that life here on earth is just temporary. There is more that awaits us on the other side. Much better and brighter and  could be possibly forever too, if....a big "IF". If we well-deserved it.