We have assignments.  Not the pencil, paper, show-your-work kind.  But the Bible, pray, do-your-work kind.

Work assigned by our Father and due on graduation day.

Some assignments you gladly accept like — serve your family.  Show them God’s love.  Be available to them, then be present for them.  Teach them.  Forgive them.  Help them.

Some assignments you sadly accept like — watch children leave your home.  Show them God’s grace.  Offer some funds, buy them an extra, assure them support.  Launch them.  Release them.  Respect them.

Then,

Some assignments you have no choice but to accept like — hold his hand, sit by her side, sing sweet songs, hold the phone near, tip the cup up.  Call the nurse.  Massage soles, count meds, swap pillows.  Watch, wait, endure.  Be brave.  Be strong.  Be patient.  For hours, maybe days, maybe weeks or months.

This assignment is the hardest to accept.  I know.  I know others who know.  We accepted the no-choice, courageous, say-goodby assignment.  We did our work.  It took more than helping and releasing; it took everything we had.

Will we get a sticker?  We think so.  We hope so.  But what we want is to say hello again, forever.

Grieving with you, Gena, Kaela, Anna.  Grieving with you, Mary.  Grieving with you, Rill.   Surely love you.