A Good Shepherd’s Final Gift
Little Lamb, dost thou know who made thee?
The autumn leaves beyond the window tinted the sunlight which dappled across the white sheets, beneath which lay a fine lady, weakened, at peace, and awaiting the end to come. Her penultimate day.
Her son sat bedside reflecting while the others had gone for refreshment.
A small boy, his son, yet of school age, peered in through the doorway. A smile brightened across the lady’s face and eyes and, with effort, she raised an arm to him. He approached and took her hand. For long minutes they gazed at and into each other. No words passed but surely the lady blessed the boy with all the heartfelt dreams and wishes of one who had lived, enjoyed, and endured a full life and, as was her wont, no doubt prayed he would enjoy love and fair winds, fascination and smooth sailing, and that life’s travails and storms would pass quickly to sunnier days.
In time, they released each other and she closed her eyes and rested, content.
With a brief look and hug for his father, the boy withdrew.
Amen.
Tony Anikeeff
Links to the appointed readings and prayer for today:
