He took in a deep breath. As he exhaled, I watched his skin change from pink to ash, beginning at his feet and moving to his head. Just like that, he was gone. I learned in an instant that life is a deep breath in, held as long as possible, and a long exhale out.
Then … gone.
I was grateful that Dad only lingered for a few hours, but with every breath he took, I knew his body was preparing for its end. Learning is hard, no matter when or how we do it, and when you love someone, really love someone, it’s equally as hard to say goodbye. Our love for them is so deep, we never want it to end. But it does.
Or does it?
Hours before he passed, Dad pressed his hand against my face and whispered, “I love you.” His thumb stroked my cheek and wiped away a tear.
“I love you too.”
He glanced toward the window. “It’s dark out.”
“Yep, raining too.”
“Figures.” Dad grinned. In his moments facing death, he still made me laugh.
When Paul wrote the love chapter of Corinthians, his letter was in response to numerous internal struggles and divisions within the church at Corinth. As he penned his heartfelt response about love, he clearly understood the strength found in the depths of God’s love. Paul understood Christ’s unending and eternal love. He wanted us to see that even through death, Jesus loves us and wants us to understand that love withstands everything.
Even after His sacrifice, our Father’s unconditional love never lets go. Instead, it grows stronger and deeper. Paul said, “Love never ends,” and it doesn’t, even in death.
Dad’s last “I love you” wasn’t the end. His love lives on in the things he taught me and the strength he instilled in me. Funny that he recognized my insecurities and planted seeds of peace, strength, and hope within them. Dad wasn’t perfect. He could be cranky and distant sometimes, but his love for me was unending. Even when I watched life drain from his body, I knew his love would be eternal.
My earthly father rests in the presence of my heavenly Father. There, he fully feels the love of the Master. Take time today to show your father some extra love. He may not be perfect, but like our heavenly Father, his love never ends. Accept what He freely offers.
Cindy K. Sproles is a best-selling, award-winning author. She is a speaker and a conference teacher who teaches nationwide. Cindy is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries, www.christiandevotions.us, and www.inspireafire.com. She serves as a writing mentor with WRAMS (Writing Write Author Mentoring Service) and is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.