I just wanted to share a quick story that happened in our lives this week. On Monday, Jessica came to me after school and told me that one of her classmates had died. He had been killed in a tragic accident in his own backyard. Her and I talked a little about it and then that evening we sat down with both girls to really discuss death. We gave Jessica the option of going to the viewing. I was a little apprehensive about taking her and made sure that both of the girls understood what they would see there. We explained that the little boy's spirit wouldn't be there, only his body in a casket. Jessica was steadfast in her decision about wanting to say good-bye to her friend, so off we went to the viewing. After waiting in line for about 45 minutes we finally approached the parents of this little boy. We introduced ourselves and I explained that Jessica had been in the boy's class. I was so incredibly touched when the grieving mother of this small boy took my daughter by the hand and led her over to the casket to see her friend. The mother didn't cry, she didn't act sad, instead, she took my five year old by the hand and explained to her that her friend wasn't really here. She explained to her that he had gone home to Heavenly Father and that it was ok. The exchange happened in a minuscule amount of time but I think that it will impact me forever. I cannot express the effect that this act of compassion had on me. The mere fact that this grieving mother, who had lost a son, was willing to take the time with my daughter to make sure that she understood meant more to me than words can ever express. I hope that one day I am able to be that compassionate. I know that I am not there yet- maybe one day- but for now I can look back at the true meaning of Christ-like compassion in a person that I should have been showing compassion to.
