I Go to Prepare a Place for You

She had a wonderful life. Her husband adored her and she him. He was a decorated Air Force officer and she treasured their life together. They raised three daughters, lived close to their grandchildren and were surrounded by friends. Through the moves and the usual ups and downs of all relationships, she stayed true to her loves. They were happy.

She was diagnosed with lung cancer, even though she had never smoked a day in her life; nor had he. Life deals those cards, sometimes. She decided that, because of her age, she would not seek treatment. She had weighed her options, prayed about the consequences, and chose to live out her remaining days in the home that they had made together. He supported her and cared for her in the fullness of those wedding vows: “In sickness and in health, till death us do part.”

Once a week I visited her, taking the Eucharist so that she would receive the spiritual sustenance she craved and that made her spirit stronger even as her flesh failed. We prayed for her family and her friends. She always spoke lovingly of her husband. She worried for her children and grandchildren. Her faith sustained her and gave her comfort. She never wavered, though the pain progressed and she could barely get out of bed.

Towards the end, when she could barely swallow the tiniest piece of the Blessed Sacrament, she finally asked, “Why hasn’t God taken me home?”

I prayed for Wisdom before finally answering:

Do you remember how you searched for the perfect wedding dress, wanting to be beautiful for the man you loved?  Do you remember your excitement when your husband finally sent word that he was coming home from his missions, making sure that the house and your hair and your dress would delight his war-weary soul? Or how you anticipated the births of your daughters, spending those nine months getting everything ready? It was so important for you to have your home just right for your beloved. Maybe, just maybe, God is getting your place ready, wanting everything to be perfect for you. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be. (John 14:1-3)

She died just before Thanksgiving, with her family by her side. I am grateful every year for the faith she shared with me. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.