The DVD

It was 3 0’clock in the morning.

 I startled myself wide awake.

The picture of his dying breath; a smile on his face,

as a kiss lingered on his lips.

The DVD keeps playing in my mind.

 Pictures from yester-year; from yester-day.

 scenes from our life,

 randomly scrolling across the screen.

Children sitting on Daddy’s lap,

 laughing and smiling for the camera

 as they blow out the birthday candles.

Children sitting on Daddy’s bed,

 holding out cupcakes and Mtn. Dew.

 The oxygen machine breathes softly into his nostrils,

 the bedside tray across his lap,

 the hospital bed, the only way he can move.

 Children sitting beside him

 smiling for the camera for Father’s Day.

The soccer coach. Tall and handsome.

Teaching young men how to dribble a ball

 and how to live their life.

Teaching children.

 Reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic.

Teaching them to love, and be loved.

 To laugh. To smile. To cry.

A picture of a friend.

 A friend who was kind and gentle.

 Always caring, always hoping, always patient,

 always faithful. 

 A friend who became a husband.

The words inside her wedding band,

engraved forever on her heart,

 “All my love, forever.”

Picture his wife sitting at his feet

 putting socks and shoes on his swollen feet.

 As she ties the shoes,

 a tear falls down her cheek as she says in her heart,

 “It’s an honor to serve you.”

A picture of serving.

 No matter the hour, no matter the day, or the need.

 He considered it an honor.

Sitting in a wheelchair

 confined by his own body.

 Trapped inside of legs and arms

 that won’t listen to him anymore.

 When asked “How are you?”

 he answers, “Pretty good, how are you?”

 On an especially difficult day,

 one might hear him say,

 “Pretty good, I guess.”

 Those who knew him well knew

 he was especially frustrated.

Picture a father and friend

 walking on the shore.

 Bending over to examine sea shells

 and wave battered stones.

 Finding beauty in each one.

 Showing his children

 and those he loved

 how to love life.

 Tender, gentle, and kind.

 Finding beauty in each one.

He taught so many how to love.

 How to love as Christ did.

 As only Christ could.

 He seldom used words to teach.

His life spoke loud enough.

A picture of a terrible day.

Filled with peace.

 A funeral. Filled with hope and love.

 Death filled with comfort.

 Tears that wash away pain. Songs that bring healing.

 A picture of a beautiful day.

Pictures of family and friends.

 Cousins and grandparents, aunts and uncles.

 Moms and Dads.

 Holding hands around the Table.

Father, we thank you for this day.

The music continues to play.

 The songs scroll along with the pictures.

 The words echo in my mind as the melody plays.

 The notes gently playing on the keys of my heart.

I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering
There will be a day with no more tears,

 no more pain, and no more fears.

 Be still,

O restless soul of mine.

 Bow before the Prince of peace.
Let the noise and clamor cease.

In a place of quiet rest.

Near to the heart of God

Be still.  

Be speechless.

Be still and kiss the rain.