For the first time
in months the room
is silent.
The balloon tether
to gasping machines
no longer needle pins
into tiny arms.
Peace shines
on a child’s face
that had worn
pain’s frown
for far too long.
A parents’ goodbye
summons angels
to escort their son
to dance on stars.
Winged children sing
Jesus Loves Me
to comfort a family
who will greet morning
with the sorrow of empty arms.
©Susie Clevenger 2013
At Real Toads Fireblossom prompted us to write about angels. I knew immediately what/who I would write about. Several years ago I got a call to come the the hospital. A little five year old boy named John whom I had been asked to pray for had lost hist battle with cancer. As I walked through the hospital doors I saw a few friends and family waiting outside John's room. I looked inside and all the machines had been removed and his little face no longer had the grimace of pain. I and the rest of the group stood silent and tearful outside his door. I truly can't explain what happened next. As we stood comforting one another we heard children singing Jesus Loves Me. The sound of their voices surrounded us. I looked toward John's room and his parents hadn't moved. They still sat on the bed with John in their arms. Across the hall I could see a man watching a crime show in his room. I couldn't find the source of the music. Stunned and in awe our small group looked at one another and then one of them said, "Well, yes he does." Soon after I asked a nurse if she or perhaps the hospital played the song as a custom at the death of a child. She said no and she hadn't heard it. Again I can't explain it. I just know when we so needed comfort it came with the voices of children.
Comments
Thank you for sharing your angel-I believe you!