I
didn’t see it at first, it strangely seemed out of place, it shouldn’t have,
this was a funeral after all. We were
running a bit late, the boys and I, and the only place available to sit was
near the front of the sanctuary. The
boys looked so handsome in their Sunday best, we had talked about what was
happening today, how they were expected to behave, what to anticipate, but I
was the one who was unprepared. I have
been to many funerals and memorials for family and dear friends. I have also
witnessed death up close in my job as an RN, but I was caught of guard. My eight year old son quietly whispered, “What
is that mom?” I had been so focused on
trying to get us settled into our seats and making sure that they had something
to occupy their little hands that I hadn’t noticed it. I looked up to see what he was referring to
and my heart lurched. We all knew why
we were there yet somehow I did not expect my reaction. I had remembered to
bring tissues (something I have forgotten in the past) but the emotion was so
much more than sadness. My response was
visceral and I instinctively put a reassuring arm around my little boy and
gently whispered back to him, “that is the casket that holds little Nathaniel’s
body but his soul is in heaven with Jesus.” My son gave me an understanding nod
and returned his focus to the service.
As I sat there between my two children, looking at that tiny little
casket, knowing that another mommy’s arms were aching for her son, I realized that
I was utterly ill prepared for the waves of emotion that washed over me.
The
short life of Nathaniel has touched countless people in immeasurable ways. The
unwavering faith of his parents and family is a true illustration of love and
conviction in the face of enormous pain and sorrow. ~“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” ~John 3:16
That precious little boy is a witness of God’s eternal love.
