I like to Barter

I write this for my friend who's mom passed away this week. I don't say mother, because they were closer than that.

My friend is about to have a baby in a month or so, and it reminded me of when my dad passed away 2 months before Ada was born. Now, granted, these are completely different circumstances, but once the memories start, it's hard for me to plug them up.

My dad and I finally became close near the end of his life, and some of the best memories cam from the time my children started to show up. He invested SO much into them and I am happy that Ella got to spend the time she could with him. It's sad that Zoe was too young to know him, and Ada/ Nyla never will, but there are things to remember.

My dad wasn't there when I was born, but with my children, he was a full supporter. He drove me to the hospital, sat with me, and was the last to leave behind me on my way out (stepping out during the gross parts like pushing). He never said a word , except to hand me the bullet when it was time to bite it, or the occasional coke to keep me "hydrated". But there was something to be said about his dedication to my girls and my nieces/nephews.

So when he died, I wasn't prepared for what was going to happen with Ada. It was bittersweet and oddly lonely.

So as I think about my friend having her baby without her mom around, I pray for her. I pray the stress of the situation doesn't hurt her. I pray that she takes joy in the time her other children were given and she would be able to comfort others with her actions. As others theology doesn't hold up, and she doesn't feel like talking, but wants company anyway, I pray that others are sensative to sit, distract, speak truth, and give.

I don't cry for her mother, however. She's finally not in pain, loving her long-awaited time with her Daddy. As the song says, she traded her sorrow, shame, pain, and blame for the joy of the Lord and I'm all for bartering. So, I love you friend.