Visits From A Man Named Nobody 68

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He wasn’t sure how long he sat there, but she eventually wrapped him in her arms, whispering, “We don’t ever get a say in when we die, but that only makes it that much more important to use the time we’re given. I’m sorry you’re scared.”

A derisive burst of laughter exploded from Paul. He looked at her with an expression that had to convey his shock.  “You have a tumor, and you’re telling me you’re sorry!”

She smiled at him. Her tears were gone. She was just his mom again. “I’m not afraid. I don’t want to leave you. I don’t want this to be the end, and that’s honestly a bit hard to explain. I love you, but if this is my time, I’m going to a place without pain or hurt, anger or sorrow. While I’m on this earth, I have work to do, but death isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of an eternity of joy and peace.”

“How can you possibly know that?” Paul wanted to imagine she was just putting on a brave face. He could see her lips tremble. He could see the unshed tears in her eyes, but she held it all together with a strength he couldn’t begin to imagine.

His mother took a deep breath. “If one believes in God, they believe in his promises. My faith isn’t based on blind ideology. When I met Bill, I had questions. I had so many questions. When we lost Bill, I was angry for a short time, but for those who really look, the truth is there. I feel more sadness for those who refuse to believe than anything else.”

“But you’re … “ he couldn’t bring himself to say, “dying.” 

She must have understood what he meant. She stood and then helped him up, saying, “We’re all going to die. There’s no science or power that can stop death, and I know that statement could cause some debate with you, so please just hold on to the part that matters. If everyone is going to die, then living in fear of that seems silly. Instead, I put a great deal of thought into what happens after death. My faith allows me to look at death with a strange excitement. I’m not exactly going to do anything to expedite my passing, but I know I have something wonderful to look forward to. I’m just not sure my work here is done, so I endure this life, thankful for the blessings it’s brought.”

He stared at her in bewilderment. Is this what Bill thought as he died in that accident? 

“Well I don’t want to let you go,” he said. “So I’d rather talk about options.”

She laughed, and it was a pure, amused sound. There wasn’t a hint of resentment or frustration in it. “The truth is there’s nothing you can do. The doctors are going to remove it, and we’ll hope that does the trick.”

“So I’ll stay with you,” Paul said. “Whatever you need, I’ll make sure you get it.”

She smiled and wrapped her arms around him again. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

The end of Chapter 19.

… To be continued …